INTRODUCTION As mentioned earlier, agrochemicals are chemical compositions used to manage diseases, pests, and provide nutrients back into the soil. There is no doubt that the use of agrochemicals (growth regulators, insecticides, and fertilizers) has increased crop productivity and increased agricultural production. Recent research suggests that the widespread use of these agrochemicals in soils throughout the world may have contributed to soil degradation because of widespread use in recent decades. This is one of the most serious side effects of traditional agriculture. It is estimated that before the industrialization of farming, farming methods were more eco-friendly in maintaining biological pest control, buffer zones around the edges of the farms, and soil nutrients. The crop yield was primarily reliant on existing resources, such as crop rotation and organic matter recycling. In doing so, these farming techniques contribute toward maintaining the balance between the natural environment and agriculture. It was because of this that signs of environmental damage were virtually non-existent. Agriculture has progressed at a time when there has been a lack of understanding of ecological principles, thereby disrupting the balance between agriculture and the environment. Agricultural modernization results in an increase in productivity, although often at the expense of the quality of the environment. It has been proven that when synthetic fertilizers (including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) are excessed and used in combination with organic fertilizers, they have a negative impact on native micro flora, soil productivity, and texture, soil enzyme action, human health, and the environment (Zhang et al., 2015). Throughout the globe, these compounds are widely used to increase agricultural productivity, manage diseases, pests, viruses, weeds, and minimize crop damage. It has been scientifically established that synthetic agrochemicals are very hazardous and have a negative impact on human and environmental health (Briggs & Courtney 1989). An increase in fertilizer application would ultimately result in groundwater contamination because of fertilizer runoff (Singh et al., 2004). There are a number of pesticides that have been banned in developed countries, including 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexaneand 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT). There are still many countries, such as India and South Africa that continue to utilize them despite their low wages (van denBerg et al., 2017; Jayaraj et al., 2016). The pesticide market in India is the second-largest in Asia. There is a major concern in India about pesticide residues, despite the fact that the country's pesticide usage (0.29) is significantly lower than that of developed countries in Latin America such as Japan (11.85 kg/ha), Brazil (4.57 kg/ha), China (13.06 kg/ha) and others. Pesticide use is highest in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Punjab, out of India's 29 states. Over the last decade, the use of pesticides has increased in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, whereas in Haryana and Punjab, the use of pesticides has decreased slightly. There is also evidence that pesticide consumption is going down dramatically in Gujarat, Karnataka, and West Bengal, whereas it is going up in Kerala and Chhattisgarh. Nevertheless, according to the ACIA, during 2016-17, Punjab, Haryana, and Maharashtra saw the highest pesticide use per hectare area, while Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan saw the lowest. Each year, 377.76 thousand tonnes of agrochemicals are shipped, with fungicides accounting for over half (45.99 percent). The five top pesticides reported as exports from India are acephate, chlorpyrifos, sulphur, cypermethrin, and mancozeb, according to the Central Board of Excise and Customs (Abhilash & Singh 2009; Carvalho, 2017; Subash et al., 2017). According to the FAO, global fertiliser usage is predicted to increase by 1.0 percent each year between 2015 and 2030, from 138 million tonnes in 1997/98 to 182 million tonnes in 2030 (Bruinsma, 2017). Soil Micro flora in Agriculture. As far as microbial diversity is concerned, the soil is the black box. There are a number of microorganisms that are found in this environment, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses, among others. There is a much greater diversity and quantity of microorganisms present. The findings from a study conducted by Torsvik et al. (1996), indicate that there are approximately 6000 separate bacterial genomes per gram of soil, based on the size of the genome of Escherichia coli as an example genome size of Escherichia coli as a unit. It seems that there are quite so many almost one million bacterial genes per gram of soil that modern analytical tools have recently been able to show (Gans et al., 2005; Handelsman & Tiedje 2007). Microorganisms and nutrient cycles in the soil are extremely complicated and poorly defined. Despite the fact that bacteria are the most prevalent microorganisms in the soil, they are followed by actinomycetes, fungus, algae, and protozoa in that order (Sylvia et al., 1998). Microorganisms play an important role in basic soil processes and participate actively in nutrient cycling, which helps to improve soil health and crop productivity (Jacoby et al., 2017). Different patterns of bacterial and fungal dominance can be seen in cultivated soils. Bacteria and fungi make up the majority of microbial biomass in soil, which accounts for roughly 1–4% of total organic matter (Brookes 2001). In cultivated fields, however, large variations in the ratio of fungal and bacterial biomass were observed, which are influenced by, land management strategies, environmental factors, Nutritional content in soil, and biomass assessment methodologies. According to de Vries et al., 2006 and Strickland & Rousk 2010, bacterial biomass dominates in traditional tillage systems, whereas fungi are dominant in no-tillage agricultural systems. Soil microbial diversity refers to the whole spectrum of microorganisms that live in all of the macro and microhabitats that make up the soil ecosystem. It comprises genetic differences, species ecological and evolutionary adaptations, abiotic and biotic interactions, and ecosystem complexity, as well as diversity between and within species. Microbe genetic diversity is described as the amount and distribution of genetic information within microbial species, or, to put it another way, the richness and evenness of soil micro flora (Nannipieri et al., 2003). A variety of biotic and abiotic factors have been linked to changes in microbial activity and diversity, including soil management strategies such as monotype agriculture, nutrient amendments such as organic manures or inorganic fertilizers, land use patterns, and environmental conditions (Sun et al., 2004; Li et al., 2007; Nautiyal et al., 2010). Despite substantial evidence shows chemical fertilizers and pesticides impact soil microorganisms, the limited quantity of material available shows a highly varied pattern. Fertilizers and pesticides can affect soil micro flora in the short and long term, both through direct influence on microorganisms and indirectly through unfavourable changes in the environment (Seymour, 2005). As a result, given the relevance of soil micro flora in ecologically soil activities like detox reactions, and evaluation of the functional and structural properties of microbial populations can be used to track the influence of agrochemicals on the soil environment. It seems as though most microbes prefer to live in the soil since the soil is one of the most diverse habitats that they have, as well as being the most conducive. Cultivated soil contains a wide variety of micro flora species that can be found on the surface. There are estimated to be about 1048 microbial species in one gram of soil, which is quite a significant number. A single gram of soil contains around one million bacterial genomes (Trevors, 2010). A number of important soil processes are compromised by soil micro flora (bacteria, algae, fungi, viruses, and protozoa), including the breaking down of organic and inorganic compounds, soil fertility, nutrient cycles, and a range of other important functions. The micro flora in the soil plays an important role in soil properties such as structure, aeration, porosity, and water permeability. As the result of human activity, soils that have been contaminated with undesirable compounds can become contaminated with undesirable microbes, and it is important for the microbial population to play a key role in the bioremediation of those soils. There is also evidence that various soil microbes are involved in phytopathogen biocontrol (Ampofo et al., 2009; Prashar & Shah 2016). Some of the benefits of soil microbes are shown in Fig. 1. A pesticides' impact on microorganisms is large as a result of ambient conditions, soil quality, and the amount of pesticide that's being used. In the soil, pesticides can be degraded, desorption, adsorption, and transported in a variety of ways, depending on specific soil characteristics and the chemicals present in the pesticide. There is some evidence that pesticides might alter the physiology and metabolism of soil microorganisms (Ramakrishnan et al., 2019). There is a possibility that pesticides might negatively affect the diversity of soil microorganisms because they reduce the quality of organic matter in the soil. Considering the fact that all these microbes participate in a variety of nutrient recycling operations as well as processing operations, any variation in their number or composition can significantly alter the soil fertilizing properties. There is no doubt that pesticides interfere with the essential functions that microorganisms perform, such as cell division, cell growth, photosynthesis, molecular composition, biosynthesis, and respiration, in a manner that antibiotics do not. It is believed that some pesticides increase microbial growth, while others suppress it. There is some evidence suggesting that pesticides and fertilizers applied on the field may affect a few specific bacterial species, but the overall impact on the population of microbes is insignificant (Ryan, 1999). On the other hand, there is some evidence suggesting that pesticides can adversely affect soil microorganisms (Gupta et al., 2000). Effect of Herbicides on Soil microbes. The overall microbial population is greatly reduced by herbicides 7-30 days after spraying, depending on the type of herbicide used (Milosevic & Govedarica 2002) and following spraying herbicides systematically disrupt the physiology or biosynthetic pathways of microbes, negatively affecting their biodiversity indirectly (Kremer et al., 2009). The increased enzymatic activity in soil has an impact on cellular membrane composition, soil enzyme activity, plant growth regulators (i.e. gibberellin production, transportation of IAA, the concentration of ethylene, etc.), and protein synthesis. There has been evidence that many sensitive microorganisms die as a result of the administration of excessive levels and increasing levels of herbicide (Milosevic & Govedarica 2002). Herbicides may also have different herbicidal effects based on the type of soil they are applied to. Herbicides can have a significant effect on soils with coarse textures. As an example, researchers found that when used on sandy-clay loam soils, herbicides had an overwhelmingly negative impact on microbial interactions and chickpea survival (Khan et al., 2006). Atrazine has been shown to dramatically reduce soil microorganisms' activity when repeatedly applied to the soil. As a result, atrazine and metolachlor are able to adversely impact soil biodiversity in the form of bacteria and actinomycetes (Seghers & Verthé 2003). The herbicide glyphosate, which is a nonselective organophosphate herbicide, has been shown to reduce phosphate enzyme activity by up to 98 percent (Sannino & Gianfreda 2001). Effect of Fungicides on Soil Microbes. There have been a number of studies that have demonstrated that soil temperature and moisture can negatively impact soil microbes, their growth and survival, and their activity (Cyco et al., 2006). In fact, fungicides like bavistin can exhibit a variety of effects on the soil microbe population such as affecting the bacterial flora in different ways. Some fungicides that have been found to be affected by AMFs have been found, although this is not the case for all fungicides. A number of fungicides are toxic to hyphal growth, resulting in the root system being colonized by AMF organization in pea (Cyco et al., 2006). Benzyl is reported to be a major contributor to the decline in mycorrhizal associations (Smith et al., 2000). It is understood that some types of groundnuts are particularly sensitive to the effects of carbendazim (an antifungicide that belongs to the benzimidazole family) and Emisan (a fungicide containing 6% 2-methoxyethylmercury chloride). As an alternative, a Cu treatment can help stimulate the development of the mycorrhizal fungi in peanuts. A substance called metalaxyl is beneficial to the colonization of soybeans and maize roots by AM. An analysis conducted by scientists from the University of New Mexico revealed that seed-applied fungicides in combination with fludioxonil are most likely to encourage AM colonization in non-fumigated soils due to reduced competition from aggressive pathogens such as Rhizoctonia spp., the organism targeted by this fungicide (Murillo-Williams & Pedersen 2008). Some of the commonly used fungicides are listed below (Table 1). Impacts of pesticides on Soil Micro biota. The most common reason for crop failure in the world is plant diseases, which represent a significant threat to global food security. As much as ten to fifteen percent of the production of the world's major crops, such as rice, wheat, maize, and potatoes, is lost to pest-induced plant diseases every year (Pinstrup-Andersen, 2001). Chemical pesticides have been the most common method of eliminating phytopathogens in the past, mainly due to the fact that they are the most efficient and most practical to use. This has resulted in a gradual increase in the use of chemical pesticides over the years. Pesticides, which remain in the soil for a long time, slowly degrade and become a cause of contamination in the soil and groundwater (Pe´rez-Lucas et al., 2018). It is true that pesticides have been used in agricultural soils steadily since the turn of the century, in order to combat pest-induced crop losses and keep up with the ever-expanding food demand. Pesticides are the most heavily used products in the world, followed by Europe and Asia, whereas China is the global leader in pesticide production and consumption, closely followed by the United States. Some of the commonly used pesticides are listed below i.e (Table 2). The potential for soil and agro-ecosystems to suffer direct or indirect adverse impacts is of great concern when it comes to the use of chemical pesticides since they are bioactive, poisonous chemicals. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) describes a pesticide as a chemical substance that is used to control one or more animals or plants. It includes insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, rodenticides, nematodes, growth regulators, defoliants, fruit thinners, desiccants, and the like. Also, it is used to prevent premature crop damage, especially during harvest. A pesticide should, from a concept standpoint, not affect non-target soil species, have a short shelf life, be biodegradable, and be inexpensive. The majority of them, however, have chronic and acute toxicity as well as being classified as biocides. This means that they can be harmful to all living things except for the target pest species (Zacharia, 2011). There are many of them that can penetrate the cell walls of non-target soil microorganisms, disrupting their normal metabolisms and causing cell death. It has become apparent that pesticides, in their many forms, pose a serious threat to the biodiversity of soils and their natural habitats, as well as their associated negative effects including contamination of groundwater and soil, their enrolment in the food chain, posing a health risk to higher organisms such as humans, and the development of pest-resistant crops (Sattler et al., 2006). As a result, pesticides' adverse effects on non-target soil species have become a major topic of concern. Management Options. In spite of this, studies on the detrimental effects of pesticides and their derivatives have been conducted for more than a decade. In addition, various legislative measures and pesticide problems have also been reported (Pandey & Singh 2004). By developing quick and accurate analytical procedures, it has been possible to provide a more effective implementation of pesticides' long-term effects as well as mitigating their long-term effects on soils and natural ecosystems. The result of this is that as our understanding of pesticides and their impact on health and the environment improves, existing current legislation acts are being altered or improved at a rapid rate. This implies that there has been a significant improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of the control of that pest (Enserink et al., 2013). This paper describes a method that has been reported to be remarkably effective for limiting the negative effects of pesticides, their implementations, and their by-products (Owen et al., 2015). In order to tackle the danger of chemical pollution, a number of eco-friendly techniques are emerging, including biological pest control. Here are some of the most effective management approaches to help tackle chemical pollution. Bio pesticides. It has been shown that microorganisms or plants can produce bio pesticides that are bio pesticides (microbial pesticides), or they can produce biological pesticides (plant incorporating pesticides or PIPs), or other naturally occurring products (biochemical pesticides, or BCPs). It is feasible to develop more bio pesticides that are being used for a number of reasons, including the need to provide an alternative to conventional pesticides. This alternative must be not only environmentally friendly but can also increase soil productivity, prevent soil contamination, and provide a better solution for microbial soil ecosystems of higher society. It is imperative that bio pesticides are used in agricultural production in order to make it environmentally sustainable. Bio pesticides ensure that soil health and environmental sustainability are enhanced. The introduction of helpful microbes into any living system is essential if a person wishes to have a dominant influence over disease-causing microbial communities. Generally, it is accepted that bio-products can boost soil nutrient uptake efficiency and improve the productivity of plants when they are directly sprayed on soil or when sprayed on the leaves of plants. While pathogenic microorganism-based bio pesticides are particular to a specific pest, bio pesticides derived from useful interactors are a superior and more environmentally friendly option. As a result, unlike conventional chemicals pesticides, bio pesticides do not have a harmful effect on a range of ecosystems or soil microorganisms (Gupta et al., 2010). Bacillus huringiensis (Bt), Baculoviruses, Trichoderma, and Azadirachta indica are among the most extensively utilized bio pesticides. There are several strains of Bacillus thuringiensis that are used for controlling insect larvae in plants, with some of them being particularly effective against mosquito and fly larvae (Meena et al., 2016). Plant-Based Products. It has been found that the active synthesis of chemicals by the roots of plants has a significant impact on the microbial community in soil (Neal et al., 2012). Strigolactones are known to be plant sesquiterpenes that remarkably enhance the symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi by stimulating Glomeromycota mycorrhizal fungi, for example (Akiyama and Hayashi 2006). Flavonoids are believed to be produced by legumes and to act as signalling molecules that attract N-fixing bacteria to the rhizosphere and facilitate the formation of symbiotic rhizobial associations with them (Broughton et al., 2003; Pathan et al., 2018). A group of rhizobacteria known as plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has the capability of releasing organic acids into the soil, which is beneficial for other soil microbes. In one study, it was determined that tomato roots emit fumaric acid and citric acid, and both of these are able to attract Pseudomonas fluorescence (Gupta Sood 2003). Neem cake oil is another example of a bio pesticide in use and is an excellent product for managing a wide range of pests, as well as providing nourishment to soil microbes as well as improving soil physicochemical properties Gopal et al., 2007). A well-known pesticide, azadirachtin (an allelochemical from the plant neem), has been well documented for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties for quite some time now, both of which have been well documented in scientific studies. According to the findings of a recent study conducted to evaluate the effects of azadirachtin granules at 10% concentration combined with China clay, an alcoholic extraction of the kernels of neem plants, on microbacterial communities and enzyme activities, it has been determined at all concentrations that azadirachtin reduces microbacterial communities and enzyme activities.