Science (Greek oikos = house, doctrine of the household, eco = environment) of the complex and reciprocal relationship of all living beings (humans, animals and plants) to their environment as a branch of biology (science of living nature and the laws governing the course of animal, plant and human life). In more comprehensive terms, ecology is the study of the overall balance of nature. The terms ecology and biology are often confused or equated and interpreted differently. One description of the difference is: organic means that no chemicals were used in cultivation, and ecological means that the environment was also protected or even promoted .
Until the 1950s, it was common practice worldwide to use massive amounts of chemicals in the fight against pests, because little was known about the negative effects. Climate change also contributes to negative development. Today's conventional agrochemicals, with their extensive use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides to combat pests such as insects, weeds and microorganisms, have come under increasing criticism since the 1980s and are considered incompatible with sustainability and organic agriculture. However, a radical departure from these practices is hardly realistic in the short term, also due to crop failures. The targeted and well-dosed use of modern agrochemicals can help to combat crop failures and thus world hunger.
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