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Introduction: The Herbicide That Changed the World

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used and hotly debated herbicides on the planet. Originally introduced by Monsanto in 1974 under the brand name Roundup, glyphosate revolutionized modern agriculture by enabling farmers to control weeds more effectively and economically. Today, glyphosate use is integral to global food production—so much so that removing it from the agricultural toolbox would trigger a cascade of economic, environmental, and humanitarian crises.

This article dives into the data-backed truth behind glyphosate, its role in feeding the world, and why professional applicators must treat it—and every herbicide—with precision and care.

By the Numbers: How Much Glyphosate Is Really Used?

According to a comprehensive study published in Environmental Sciences Europe, over 8.6 billion kilograms (18.9 billion pounds) of glyphosate have been applied globally since its introduction【Benbrook, 2016】. In the U.S. alone, annual glyphosate usage increased from 11 million pounds in 1987 to over 300 million pounds by 2016.

A large portion of this growth stems from the adoption of genetically modified (GM) glyphosate-tolerant crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton, which now dominate American agriculture. These crops allow farmers to apply glyphosate without damaging the primary plant, targeting only weeds.

Feeding Billions: Why Glyphosate Matters

The United Nations projects that global food production must increase by 60% by 2050 to feed the world’s population, which is expected to surpass 9.7 billion【FAO, 2017】. Glyphosate plays a key role in achieving that.

A peer-reviewed study published in Pest Management Science found that GM crops using glyphosate increased yields by 22% and reduced pesticide use by 37%【Klümper & Qaim, 2014】. Without glyphosate, these gains would vanish, and farmers would be forced to rely on more mechanical tillage and other herbicides—many of which are less effective, more toxic, and worse for the environment.

A World Without Glyphosate: Consequences in the Dirt

If glyphosate were banned tomorrow, experts predict:

• Increased food prices: Without glyphosate, crop yields would fall while input and labor costs would rise, driving up the price of staple foods.
• Habitat loss: To make up for yield losses, millions of additional acres of land—much of it currently serving as wildlife habitat—would need to be converted to farmland.
• Soil degradation: Farmers would return to more intensive tillage practices, which increase erosion, lower soil quality, and send tons of fertilizer pollutants into the streams and rivers, and ultimately into the oceans. 

Environmental Impact: Friend or Foe?

Critics often cite glyphosate’s potential environmental and health effects. While it’s true that no chemical is without risk, the scientific consensus remains firm: glyphosate, when used correctly, is one of the safest herbicides available.

In 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reaffirmed its position that “there are no risks of concern to human health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label”【EPA, 2020】. Likewise, the European Food Safety Authority concluded in 2023 that glyphosate is “unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans”【EFSA, 2023】.

Furthermore, glyphosate’s relatively low toxicity and short soil half-life (around 47 days) make it a preferable option to many alternatives.  Glyphosate binds very tightly to soil particles and does not move through the soil or volatilize into the air.

Responsible Use Starts with the Right Equipment

Just because a herbicide is effective and relatively safe doesn’t mean it should be applied carelessly. In fact, the long-term sustainability of glyphosate depends on professional-grade stewardship—including accurate calibration, uniform application, and proper dosage.

At dos PISTOLOS, we believe in precision, not just power. Our dual-nozzle, low volume herbicide sprayer was engineered specifically for applicators who understand that “the difference between a good job and a great job is in the details.” Every droplet matters—whether you’re treating a lawn, managing invasive species, or preserving the productivity of a commercial field.

With the growing threat of herbicide resistance and rising regulatory scrutiny, responsible application is not just a best practice—it’s a mandate.

Conclusion: A Tool, Not a Villain

Glyphosate is not a silver bullet, but it is a critical tool in the global effort to feed humanity without sacrificing natural resources. Its removal would likely lead to:

• Decreased food security
• Higher environmental impact
• Loss of biodiversity from land conversion

Like any tool, glyphosate must be used wisely. That means following label instructions, staying informed, and using the right equipment for the job—equipment like dos PISTOLOS, designed with professionals in mind.

Let’s move beyond fear and misinformation. Let’s aim for precision, stewardship, and sustainability.

Sources  

1. Benbrook, C. M. (2016). Trends in glyphosate herbicide use in the United States and globally. Environmental Sciences Europe. https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-016-0070-0
2. Klümper, W., & Qaim, M. (2014). A meta-analysis of the impacts of genetically modified crops. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0111629
3. EPA. (2020). EPA Releases Draft Biological Evaluations for Glyphosate. https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/draft-national-level-biological-evaluations-glyphosate
4. EFSA. (2023). EFSA’s peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance glyphosate. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7785
5. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2017). The future of food and agriculture – Trends and challenges. https://www.fao.org/3/i6583e/i6583e.pdf