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Pesticides are more toxic for soil organisms in dry soil and at enhanced temperatures

Author:

Date: 29/10/2014

Introduction:

Scientists from the LOEWE Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), the Goethe University and the ECT Oekotoxikologie GmbH, demonstrate that soil organisms in dry soil and at enhanced temperatures are more sensitive to pesticides. Singularly and combined, these factors lower the toxicity threshold of fungicides (pyrimethanil) for springtails (Collembolas), tiny hexapods that participate in essential soil functions, decomposing organic material and building up humus. Both conditions – drier soils and higher temperature – may occur more often in the future due to climate change and thus fungicide application under these conditions could further harm the soil biota essential for soil fertility.   

(Phys.org, 11/09/2014)

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