Evaluation of ecological doses of the nitrification inhibitors 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and 4-chloromethylpyrazole (ClMP) in comparison to dicyandiamide (DCD) in their effects on dehydrogenase and dimethyl sulfoxide reductase activity in soils

Risk assessment of the nitrification inhibitors (NIs) 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), 4-chloromethylpyrazole (ClMP), and dicyandiamide (DCD) on nontarget microbial activity in soils was determined by measuring dehydrogenase and dimethyl sulfoxide reductase activity (DHA, DRA, respectively) in three differently textured soils under laboratory conditions. Dehydrogenase activity was measured with standard procedure recommended to evaluate side effects of environmental chemicals on general microbial activity in soils. The kinetic of inhibition were obtained by dose–response relationships and used to calculate the no observable effect levels (NOEL values) and the effective doses at 10% and 50% inhibition (ED₁₀ and ED₅₀), respectively. Negative effects on DHA and DRA, respectively, were observed only at rates approximately 40–100 times higher than the concentrations recommended in the field. Both DHA and DRA were affected more in the sandy than in the silty or clayey soil. Consequently, NOEL, ED₁₀, and ED₅₀ values were considerably higher in the clayey than in the silty or sandy soil. The heterocyclic N compounds DMPP and ClMP, respectively, were more effective in inhibiting DHA and DRA than DCD. At application rates used in the field as well as at concentration up to 25 to 90 times higher, the NIs concerned failed to affect general soil microbial activity in soils. Among the three NIs tested, the not marketed ClMP exhibited the strongest negative effects on soil microbial activity. At recommended application rates, the NIs tested should be considered as enviromentally safe.