Effects of Ametryn on Microbial Activity in Soil with Biofertilizer Addition

Abstract

In recent years, pesticide application has increased worldwide due to the need for increased food production. In this way, understanding of the effects that these xenobiotic molecules can result in the soil microbiota becomes fundamental. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate microbial enzymatic activity by FDA, as well as quantify bacteria and fungi contaminated soil by ametryn herbicide. In addition, biofertilizer was added as a form of microbial biostimulation in order to cause enrichment of the affected site. The ametryn herbicide was chosen because it is widely used in sugarcane crops in Brazil, in the control of weeds, and is moderately persistent in the environment. It can be evaluated that the biofertilizer was fundamental in increasing the microbial activity of the soil, even in the presence of ametryn, probably contributing to its biodegradation. The estimation of the enzymatic activity by FDA, was essential for the evaluation of the increase of the microbial action, contributing to the verification of the active microbiota in the soil. It is suggested the application of biofertilizer in soils contaminated by ametryn, as a way to mitigate affected sites.