The influence of biological preparations on soil parameters and aclonifen removal

Food production requires the protection of agricultural crops against weeds, diseases and pests. An inherent consequence of using chemical plant protection products is the presence of their residues in the environment and the soil, and also in food. The use of effective microorganisms (EMs) that protect plants against pathogens and improve the condition of the soil, may be an alternative to and complement those preparations. The aim of this work was to examine the potential of biological preparations like Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600, Pseudomonas sp. DSMZ 13134, Yarrowia lipolytica, and their consortia on the bioremediation of aclonifen contaminated soil. Experiments were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions in the horticultural soil. The analyzed parameters included the aclonifen concentrations, and soil parameters of pH, dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). The consortium of Pseudomonas sp. DSMZ 13134 with Y. lipolytica and the consortium of all three examined EMs most effectively influenced the aclonifen dissipation. Their use reduced the herbicide concentration in the soil by 52% and 56%, respectively. These results are significant as aclonifen is a persistent herbicide. The tested biological preparation also contributed to the improvement of soil properties - the increase in ORP and DHA. There is an urgent need to promote the use of EMs in agriculture, to protect the environment and human health from chemical contaminants, and to develop sustainable agriculture.