Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Assessment of Waste-Derived Biochars on the Health and Biological Activity of Soil
Published on: October 10, 2025
Effects of methylisocyanate on soil microflora and the biochemical activity of soils
1Centre for Advanced Study in Botany, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Madras, India.
Abstract:
Methylisocyanate at 500, 1000 and 2500 microg ml(-1) h(-1) markedly affected the fungal propagules in treated soils. Immediately after exposure to gas, both bacteria and actinomycetes were appreciably reduced, although by the seventh day, their populations had gradually increased. Increased soil respiration was evident at 500 microg ml(-1) of methylisocyanate, whereas, inhibition of respiration occurred at 1000 and 2500 microg ml(-1) h(-1). Methylisocyanate adversely affected soil nitrification; inhibition increased with increasing concentration. Up to 2500 microg ml(-1) h(-1), it stimulated ammonification, but the NH(4)-N level gradually declined with increased incubation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Soil Microbial Ecology
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Microbial Corrosion
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Microbes and Methanogenesis

