Swetha K,Teja P,Srinivasulu M,Muralidharrao D
Chemical pesticides are often employed in agricultural areas in contemporary agriculture to boost crop yield. Insecticides influence the activity and abundance of beneficial soil microbial communities in addition to controlling insect pests. This has severe environmental ramifications. Pesticides have varying effects on soil microbial activity. The effects of carbosulfan and chlorpyrifos (insecticides) and kresoxim-methyl and mancozeb (fungicides) on the enzymatic activities of soil microorganisms in paddy farmed (black and alluvial soils) at varied doses of 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg/ha were investigated in the laboratory. Pesticides applied at a field rate boosted dehydrogenase activity. The activity of dehydrogenase was reduced by high doses. At all doses tested, the dehydrogenase enzyme rate showed the most inhibition after 24 hours. There was a reduction in phosphate activity at all doses when compared to the control. At 5.0 kg/ha and 2.5 kg/ha, insecticides and fungicides increased protease activity in both soils. Maximum inhibition of protease enzyme rate was reported after 10 days at all doses tested.
KeywordsMicrobial Activities, Pesticides, Paddy, and Soils.