The effect of microwave radiation and soil depth on soil pH,N,P,K,SO 4 and bacterial colonies

Abstract

Alternatives to chemical weed control are currently being examined. Microwave heat treatment for weed seed bank control has been considered for some time. This study investigated the effect of microwave heating on key soil nutrients, pH and bacterial populations. The findings suggest that microwave treatment has little to no effect on soil nutrients and pH. Microwave treatment significantly reduced soil bacterial populations by 78% in the top 2 cm after 16 min of microwave treatment; however the soil was not sterilized and bacteria could regenerate after treatment.