Glyphosate herbicide affects belowground interactions between earthworms and symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi in a model ecosystem

Journal or Publishing Institution: Scientific Reports

Study: https://web.archive.org/web/20180814151458/https://www.nature.com/articles/srep05634

Author(s): Zaller, J.G., Heigl, F., Ruess, L. and Grabmaier, A.

Article Type: Peer Reviewed Study

Record ID: 1650

Abstract: Herbicides containing glyphosate are widely used in agriculture and private gardens, however, surprisingly little is known on potential side effects on non-target soil organisms. In a greenhouse experiment with white clover we investigated, to what extent a globally-used glyphosate herbicide affects interactions between essential soil organisms such as earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We found that herbicides significantly decreased root mycorrhization, soil AMF spore biomass, vesicles and propagules. Herbicide application and earthworms increased soil hyphal biomass and tended to reduce soil water infiltration after a simulated heavy rainfall. Herbicide application in interaction with AMF led to slightly heavier but less active earthworms. Leaching of glyphosate after a simulated rainfall was substantial and altered by earthworms and AMF. These sizeable changes provide impetus for more general attention to side-effects of glyphosate-based herbicides on key soil organisms and their associated ecosystem services.

Keywords: Glyphosate, Earthworms, Mycorrhizal Fungi, Soil Biology, Ecosystems, Mathematical Models; Agriculture, Animals, Biomass, Ecosystem, Fungi, Glycine, Herbicides, Mycorrhizae

Citation: Zaller, J.G., Heigl, F., Ruess, L. and Grabmaier, A., 2014. Glyphosate herbicide affects belowground interactions between earthworms and symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi in a model ecosystem. Scientific Reports, 4, p.5634.