Bacterial, fungal, and actinomycete populations in soils receiving repeated applications of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and trifluralin.

Soil samples were collected from an untreated plot and plots receiving repeated applications of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoro-2, 6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin); they were then plated on media specific for bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. The actinomycete colony count in the trifluralin-treated plot was greater than the control, but the same as the control in the 2,4-D-treated plot. The bacterial count was lower in both treated plots. Fungal colonies in the trifluralin-treated plots were greater than the control, but not different from the control in the 2,4-D-treated plot.