Herbicides Effects on Soil Functions: A Review
Ikioukenigha Michael *
Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
Esther Ejiro Abamba
Department of Sustainable Environmental Management, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK.
Abdulmajeed Allan Chikukula
Institute of Ecology, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia.
Dooshima Rita Dugeri
Agricultural Technology Institute, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia.
Ugochukwu Jones Ibeneme
Institute of Ecology, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia.
Oluwaseyi Joseph Olukayode
Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, University of Benin, Benin city, Edo State, Nigeria.
Oghenerabome Okpro
Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Augustine Akpome
Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This review explores the impact of herbicides on soil functions, offering a detailed analysis of how these chemicals influence soil health. Herbicides, commonly used for controlling unwanted plants, often disturb the balance of soil ecosystems by altering microbial diversity, disrupting nutrient cycling, and affecting organic matter breakdown. The findings show that herbicides can either inhibit or stimulate soil microbial activities, depending on their type, concentration, and environmental conditions. While some herbicides have minimal short-term effects on soil respiration and microbial activity, others significantly reduce soil enzyme activities, slow down nitrogen mineralization, and disrupt beneficial microbial relationships, such as those involving mycorrhizal fungi. The persistence of herbicide residues in soil presents further challenges, with potential risks of contaminating soil and groundwater. It highlights the importance of using herbicides carefully, considering both their effectiveness in weed control and their long-term effects on soil health. However, the paper concludes with an evaluation of the ecological and evolutionary impacts of herbicides on soil microbial communities, calling for further research to fully understand these complex interactions.
Keywords: Herbicides, soil microbial communities, nutrient cycling, soil contamination, organic matter decomposition, environmental impact