The effect of the herbicide diuron on soil microbial activity

Citation
Ags. Prado et C. Airoldi, The effect of the herbicide diuron on soil microbial activity, PEST MAN SC, 57(7), 2001, pp. 640-644
Citations number
35
Categorie Soggetti
Entomology/Pest Control
Journal title
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
ISSN journal
1526498X → ACNP
Volume
57
Issue
7
Year of publication
2001
Pages
640 - 644
Database
ISI
SICI code
1526-498X(200107)57:7<640:TEOTHD>2.0.ZU;2-A
Abstract
The inhibitory effect of the herbicide diuron [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-d imethylurea] on microbial activity in red Latosol soil was followed using m icrocalorimetry. The activity of the microorganisms in 1.50 g of soil sampl e was stimulated by addition of 6.0 mg of glucose and 6.0 mg of ammonium su lfate under 35% controlled humidity at 298.15 (+/- 0.02) K. This activity w as determined by power-time curves that were recorded for increasing amount s of diuron, varying from zero to 333.33 mug g(-1) soil. An increase in the amount of diuron in soil caused a decrease of the original thermal effect, to reach a null value above 333.33 mug g(-1) of herbicide. The power-time curve showed that the lag-phase period and peak time increased with added h erbicide. The decrease of the thermal effect evolved by micro-organisms and the increase of the lag-phase period are associated with the death of micr obial populations caused by diuron, which strongly affects soil microbial c ommunities. (C) 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.