ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OFPESTICIDES ON SOIL MICROORGANISMS

Abstract

A routine test programme for studying the side-effects of pesticides on soil microorganisms is described. It includes methods for determining functional processes of the microbial population (respiratory activities, nitrogen mineralization, and nitrification) and is supported by tests which describe the microflora per se (enumeration of microorganisms, measurements of microbial ATP, potential for specific enzymic activities, and determination of symbiotic nitrogen fixation). The sampling and processing of soil for such investigations is discussed.