Effect of herbicides on microbiological properties of soil

Milosevic, M.A.; Govedarica, M.M.

Effect of herbicides on microbiological properties of soil

2002

Milosevic, M.A. (Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad (Serbia and Montenegro)) | Govedarica, M.M. (Faculty of Agriculture, Novi Sad (Serbia and Montenegro))

Microorganisms decompose herbicides and they may serve as bioindicators of soil changes following herbicide application. Certain microbial species may be used as bioherbicides. This study has shown that Azotobacter is most sensitive to herbicide application; it is, therefore, a reliable indicator of the biological value of soil. The numbers of this group of nitrogen-fixing bacteria decrease considerably in the period of 7-14 days after herbicide application. Simultaneously, the numbers of Actinomycetes and less so of fungi increase, indicating that these microorganisms use herbicides as sources of biogenous elements. Rate of herbicidal decomposition depends on the properties of the preparation applied, herbicide dose as well as on the physical and chemical properties, soil moisture and temperature, ground cover, agrotechnical measures applied and the resident microbial population.

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