A screening technique for assessing effects of pesticides on population and activities of non-target soil microorganisms.
A simplified technique for assessing the effect of pesticides on non-target soil microorganisms was developed. Changes in microbial population determined by the dilution plate method, in nitrification by the soil perfusion technique, and in oxygen consumption using a differential respirometer are the only measurements required. A comparison of the effects observed for three pesticides, dieldrin, chlorpyrifos and Vorlex, in three soil types with those produced by an antibiotic, a fungicide, a nitrification inhibitor and steam pasteurization of the soil clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the simple technique.
D004390:Chlorpyrifos / Q000494:pharmacology; D004026:Dieldrin / Q000494:pharmacology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects; D010575:Pesticides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D013997:Time Factors
D010575:Pesticides; D004026:Dieldrin; D004390:Chlorpyrifos