Effect of 2,4-D residues on soil microflora

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to assess the persistence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and the consequent changes in microbial populations in the wetland paddy soils of Thrissur, Kerala (India). Results indicate that 2,4-D does not persist in the paddy field beyond 30 days after spraying. Application of 2,4-D benefited soil fungi while the bacterial populations were depressed initially. By 30 days after spraying, however, the populations in the treated and untreated plots were similar and this period coincided with the disappearance of the 2,4-D residues in the soil.