The Hidden Dangers of Glyphosate: How This Herbicide Threatens Soil Microbiomes and Our Future

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in many widely used herbicides like Roundup, has long been heralded by agribusiness as a miracle solution for weed control. Since its introduction in the 1970s, it has become the most widely used herbicide on our planet with over 9.4 million tons applied since its introduction in the 1970s. Its application is especially prevalent in crops like soybeans, corn, and cotton, with over 90% of these crops in the United States being treated. The extensive use of glyphosate has led to its detection in soil, water, and even food products, raising concerns about environmental and health impacts.

I’m certain many of you are aware of the multiple class action lawsuits involving glyphosate. These lawsuits have primarily focused on claims that the herbicide, particularly its product Roundup, causes cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Thousands of plaintiffs have alleged that Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup, failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks associated with glyphosate exposure. Several high-profile cases have resulted in significant settlements and verdicts against Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, sparking ongoing legal battles. These lawsuits have brought increased public scrutiny to the safety of glyphosate and have prompted calls for regulatory changes.

But beyond the links between glyphosate exposure and cancer, let’s explore what this threatening chemical is doing to the soil microbiome. Yes, just like us, soil as well has its resident organisms that are fundamentally important for its health. It’s a complex ecosystem comprising bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other microorganisms that play a crucial role in maintaining soil resilience. These microbes are responsible for nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and promoting plant growth by facilitating nutrient uptake. The health of the soil microbiome is directly linked to the overall fertility of the soil, and by extension, the productivity of the land.

Glyphosate’s mode of action is to inhibit the shikimate pathway, a metabolic route found in plants and microorganisms but, we are told, absent in animals. This pathway is crucial for the synthesis of essential amino acids and other compounds necessary for plant and microbial survival. While this makes glyphosate an effective herbicide, it also means that it can inadvertently target and disrupt the microorganisms within the soil. And, as a point of important clarification. While the shikimate pathway doesn’t exist in animal cells, it does indeed exist in bacteria, like the ones living in your gut. Ponder that for a moment!

Getting back to soil, research has shown that glyphosate can alter the composition and function of soil microbial communities. For instance, it has been observed to reduce the population of beneficial bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Bacillus species, which are known for their roles in nutrient cycling and disease suppression. Concurrently, glyphosate can encourage the proliferation of pathogenic fungi like Fusarium, which can have detrimental effects on crop health. This effect is akin to disrupting the gut microbiome in the human body. Diversity is fundamentally important for resilience.

My good friend, Jeffrey Smith is a leading advocate for organic agriculture and an outspoken critic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and chemical herbicides. He has been instrumental in raising awareness about the dangers of glyphosate. His extensive research and publications, including his books Seeds of Deception and Genetic Roulette, highlight the broader implications of glyphosate use, particularly its impact on the environment and human health.

In his work, Smith discusses how glyphosate’s disruption of the soil microbiome can lead to a cascade of negative effects. For example, the reduction of beneficial soil bacteria can impair the soil’s ability to break down organic matter, leading to a buildup of undecomposed plant material. This not only reduces the availability of nutrients for plants but also increases the risk of soil erosion, as the organic matter that binds soil particles together is diminished.

Moreover, he points out that the changes in microbial populations can lead to an increase in plant diseases. The decline of beneficial microbes that suppress pathogens allows harmful fungi and bacteria to thrive, which can result in widespread crop failures. This, in turn, forces farmers to rely even more heavily on chemical inputs, creating a vicious cycle of dependency on agrochemicals.

The disruption of soil microbiomes by glyphosate has profound implications for agricultural sustainability. Healthy soil is the foundation of productive farming, and as glyphosate undermines this foundation, it threatens the long-term viability of our food systems. Degraded soil not only produces lower yields but also becomes more susceptible to environmental stressors such as drought and climate change.

Furthermore, the implications extend beyond agriculture. The health of soil microbiomes is closely linked to broader ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration. Healthy soils are a critical carbon sink, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, when the microbial balance is disrupted, the soil’s ability to sequester carbon is diminished, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating climate change.

In addition, the damage to soil microbiomes has potential consequences for human health. The microorganisms in the soil influence the nutrient content of the crops we consume. Disrupted microbial communities can lead to nutrient imbalances in plants, which may result in lower nutritional quality of food. Furthermore, the increased use of glyphosate has been linked to the rise of glyphosate-resistant weeds, which necessitates the use of even more toxic herbicides, further compounding the problem.

Moving forward, it is essential to explore alternative weed management strategies that do not rely on glyphosate or other harmful chemicals. Organic farming practices, which emphasize soil health and biodiversity, offer a promising path forward. By fostering healthy soil microbiomes, organic farming not only enhances soil fertility but also contributes to greater resilience against environmental stressors.

Action points:

1. Buy organic foods whenever possible.
2. Avoid GMO products. By and large GMO plants are genetically modified to be resistant to glyphosate so farmers can use this chemical and target only weeds.
3. Don’t by glyphosate. Read labels if you are looking for a weed killer. Consider things like vinegar, salt and mulching.

To learn more about Jeffrey Smith’s work, and the Institute for Responsible Technology, click here. This is a terrific way to stay ahead of the curve not only as it relates to glyphosate, but also various other new technologies that may prove to be even more threatening like molecular farming.

Also, watch my Empowering Neurologist interview with Jeffrey Smith and learn why GMO foods really do threaten health.