Effects of insecticides on populations of microflora,nitrification and respiration in soil

Abstract

Tests were conducted to determine the effects of leptophos, phorate, terbufos, and WL 24073 {0‐ [2‐chloro‐1‐(2,5‐dichloro‐phenyl) vinyl] 0‐methylethylphosphonothioate} on microbial populations and activities in a sandy loam. A stimulatory effect on bacterial numbers was observed with some insecticide treatments in the early stages of incubation. WL 24073 increased the nitrification of the incorporated (NH₄)₂SO₄‐N. Phorate stimulated soil microbial respiration.