MANCOZEB EFFECT ON SOIL MICROORGANISMS AND ITS DEGRADATION IN SOILS

Abstract

We investigated the effect of the fungicide mancozeb (ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate) on the microorganisms of the soil of four Bordeaux vineyards. Populations of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes were reduced by application of the fungicide at 10 mg/kg soil. Nitrogen mineralization was altered and nitrification decreased for 3 months: Mancozeb degradation in soil is due to both chemical and biological factors. Specific Bacillus bacteria were isolated from soil during in vitro degradation. The fungicide was completely degraded in 3 months, after which the microbial populations returned to normal levels.