Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

EFFECT OF HERBICIDES ON SOIL MICROORGANISMS IN TRANSPLANTED CHILLI

P. Adhikary, S. Shil & P. S. Patra

Herbicides are commonly used in India to control weeds in chilli field. In addition to their impact on weeds, these herbicides are also affecting soil microorganisms which are responsible for numerous biological processes essential for crop production. In the present study, we assessed the impact of three commonly used herbicides (pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen and propaquizafop) on soil microbial populations in chilli. Our study showed that the herbicide treatments significantly inhibited the development of microbial populations in the soil, and the degree of inhibition varied with the types of herbicide. Increasing trend of inhibition on growth of microbial populations was observed from the initial effect until 15 DAA. No inhibition was observed at 15 DAA to harvest. The study suggests that the herbicide application to soil cause transient impacts on microbial population growth, when applied at recommended field application rate.