Effect of some herbicides (atrazine and nicosulfuron) on microbial nitrogen and phosphor biomass in soil

• Published in: International Symposium: Current Trends in Plant Protection - Proceedings pp. 172 - 177
• Main Authors: Radivojević, Lj. (Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade (Serbia)), Gašić, S. (Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade (Serbia)), Šantrić, Lj.(Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade (Serbia)), Gajić-Umiljendić, J. (Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade (Serbia)), Brkić, D. (Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade (Serbia))
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade (Serbia) 2012
• Subjects: atrazine; microbial biomass; nicosulfuron; soil

The impact of the herbicides atrazine and nicosulfuron on microbial biomass was investigated. Trails were conducted in laboratory conditions. The rates of application were: 8.0, 40.0 and 80.0 mg/kg soil for atrazine and 0.3, 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg soil for nicosulfuron. Microbial biomass nitrogen (N) and phosphor (P) were examined. Microbial biomass N were estimated by chloroformfumigation extraction method. For determination microbial biomass P method Brooks et al. (1982) were used. Samples were collected for analysis 1, 7, 14, 21, 30 and 60 days after herbicides application. The data acquired indicated that the effect of atrazine and nicosulfuron on soil microbial biomass N and P depended on their application rate and duration of activity, and the effect was either stimulating or inhibiting. However, the changes detected were found to be transient, and there is no real risk of the compound disrupting the balance of biochemical processes in soil.