Effects of isoproturon in the rhizosphere of wheat |
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| Authors: | P J MUDD M P GREAVES S J L WRIGHT |
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| Institution: | School of Biological Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY;Agricultural and Food Research Council Weed Research Organization, Begbroke Hill, Yarnton, Oxford OX5 1PF, U.K. |
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| Abstract: | In a field experiment, isoproturon (as Arelon) applied to soil at 2·5 kg ai ha?1 caused variable effects in the rhizosphere of winter wheat. These included transient increases and decreases in the number of bacterial and fungal propagules. No changes in soil levels of NH4+-N, NO2?-N, NO3?-N or PO43? were detected. Similar results were recorded with wheat grown in pots and in laboratory-incubated soil. Arelon (1–60 μg ai ml?1) did not affect pure cultures of bacteria but at the highest concentration (approximating to fifty times field rate) inhibited growth of some fungi. The value of laboratory and field experiments for studying effects of pesticides on micro-organisms is discussed. The results suggest that Arelon, in practical use, is unlikely to have harmful effects on the micro-organisms or fertility of soil. |
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