Abstract

BORTOLI, Paula V et al. Effects of glyphosate on microbial community structure and activity in two soils under olive plantations. Ecol. austral [online]. 2012, vol.22, n.1, pp.33-42. ISSN 1667-782X.

Herbicides may alter soil ecosystems by a direct effect on selected component of soil microflora. Several authors reported a harmful effect of glyphosate on soil quality and microbial diversity. Most studies have been focused in the effect of annual extensive crops and a few have been done in perennial woody plantations. The aim of our study was to study the short-term effect of glyphosate application on microbiological parameters and microbial community structure under olive plantations. We applied different dosages of glyphosate to soils corresponding to two olive plantations, with and without history of pesticide application and evaluated a number of functional and structural parameters of soil biota throughout 55 days. In general, the soil without history of glyphosate application had a greater impact of glyphosate on with respect to the soil with history of glyphosate application. There was no consistent effect on total microbial biomass. However, the effect of glyphosate application at field rate was similar to control treatment. In both soils analyzed, glyphosate applied at elevated dosages increased cultivable bacteria and Gram (-) bacteria, as estimated by fatty acids profiles.

Keywords : Pesticides; Soil microbiology; Soil bacteria; Argentine; Roundup UltraMax.

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