MODELING THE EFFECTS OF AGROCHEMICAL USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ON MAIZE CROPS YIELDS

Abstract

Maize is one of the most important food sources and cash crops globally, playing a critical role in ensuring food security worldwide. To increase crop yields, agrochemicals are widely used. However, while these inputs provide short-term benefits, they also have long-term negative effects on natural ecosystems, ultimately hindering maize growth. Furthermore, environmental pollution from external sources contributes additional stressors. The primary objective of this thesis is to propose and analyze a deterministic mathematical model to assess the impact of agrochemical inputs (such as pesticides and fertilizers) and environmental pollution on maize growth and crop yield. The model is represented by a nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations. Key mathematical properties, including the existence, uniqueness, boundedness, and positivity of solutions, are rigorously established. Additionally, the existence of non-negative steady states in the system and their stability (both local and global) are examined. Numerical simulations are provided to highlight the significant findings and demonstrate the practical implications of the study