Effect of the herbicide Bentanex on soil microorganisms and their activity.

The effect of the herbicide Bentanex, especially of its effective component bentazone, on selected soil bacteria and fungi, on their growth and reproduction and on some important physiological activities ensuring a regular nutrient cycle in nature was investigated. Bentazone affected growth and reproduction of soil bacteria and micromycetes in dependence on the concentration and species of the microorganism. Physiological and biochemical activities of bacteria with respect to nitrogen fixation, nitrification and CO2 production were negatively influenced by high concentrations of the herbicide. These concentrations were used to observe the effect on selected activities of soil microorganisms and were much higher than those actually used in agriculture.