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ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to investigate the effects of herbicides on bacteria and fungi population of the soil in an Oil Palm Plantation at NIFOR.
Soil samples were collected randomly from the various sections of the study area using sterilize (Auger was sterilized by exposing to high pressure steam of at least 121 degree centigrade for at least 15 minutes to avoid contamination). soil auger at 0-15 cm depth and then mixed together to form a composite. Soil samples were replicated three (3) times. The physical and chemical soil parameters were analysed using appropriate methods. Identification of bacteria and fungi was done using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) molecular method.
The Herbicides used Paraquat (Sun-Paraquat 200 SL) and Glyphosate (Glyphosate 360 SL) were obtained from a local herbicide dealer in Benin City. The herbicides were applied at recommended rate and two times the recommended rate. Results obtained indicated that there was no significant difference in pH, which had a value of 5.6 to 6.0 compared to the control with value of 5.5 at (P>0.05). Significant differences were observed in Organic Matter with values ranging from 3.47 to 3.61compared to control with value of 35.3 at (P≤0.05) for Day 1. Day 7 samples indicated that there were no significant differences between pH and Organic Matter with values ranging from 5.7 to 6.3 and 30.74 to 32.18 respectively, compared to control with values of 5.5, 32.64 respectively. Significant difference was observed for Exchangeable Acidity and Available Phosphorus which had values that ranged from 0.06 to 0.37 and 38.70 to 49.90 compared to control with values of 0.41 and 30 respectively at (P<0.05). In Day 28, there was no significant difference in Potassium which had values of 0.16 to 0.20 compared to control with value of 0.25. There was no significant difference between bacteria and fungi counts in herbicides contaminated soil from Day 1 to Day 28 (P>0.05).This study indicated significant response of soil microbial activity, and increased adaptation of the microbes to the presence of herbicides at the recommended dose and 2times the recommended dose over weeks after treatment.
