"An Analysis of Ecuador's Rose Industry and its Impact on Soil and Water Quality"

Ecuadorian flower farms use large inputs of pesticides and fertilizers to produce high-value flowers such as roses. While these inputs are vital to the growth of healthy roses, the chemicals are often toxic to the environment. In order to examine the effects pesticides and fertilizers have on water and soil quality in Ecuador, data was collected through a literature review and interviews with academic and industry contacts. Most Ecuadorian rose farms grow their plants directly in the soil instead of containers. As many of these farms, especially the small ones, do not use water-recycling systems, excess chemicals leach directly into the soil, rivers and streams. Both water and soil resources throughout Ecuador have become degraded from the heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers by these rose farms.</p