Effect of Some Fungicides on Soil Biological Activities in Laboratory Conditions

The effects of mancozeb, carbendazim and tebuconazole on soil microbial populations, soil respiration, catalase and urease enzyme activities were determined through a 40 day incubation period in laboratory conditions. Soil sampling was carried out after 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 days of incubation. Soil respiration showed fluctation with kind of the fungicide. Soil respiration, catalase and urease activity were significantly (p<0.05) affected from the fungicides. Enumeration of the soil microorganisms were made on different selective media. The mancozeb from fungicides used in this study increased the number of fungi at 20th day of incubation period. Carbendazim increased the number of actinomycetes at 20th day of incubation period and the number of total bacteria was increased at 40th day of incubation period. In this study, in the soils amended with mancozeb, tebucozole and carbendazim in 40th day of incubation period observed urease activity, but stimulation in the activity was recorded in 25th day of incubation period. It was concluded that fungicide applications affect soil microbial population, soil respiration, catalase activity and urease activity.