Effect of paraquat dichloride application to the soil arthropods on the rice field, corn, and oil palm plantation

Abstract

Paraquat dichloride is a non-selective contact herbicide currently used by farmers in Indonesia to control weeds on plantations, such as palm oil, rubber, and cocoa. There are only a few studies to date on the eco-toxicological aspects of paraquat. Therefore, the research aim was study the effect of paraquat application on soil arthropods on three commodities. The research conducted on the rice and corn fields, and oil palm plantations in two consecutive seasons. Treatments included three paraquat concentrations (4, 8, and 16 ml/l); carbendazim (2 g/l); and control, with five replicates. The number and abundance of soil arthropods observed using pitfall traps and the collection of outermost soil layers for each crop at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after application. The order number of soil arthropods collected from rice, oil palms, and corn in season 1 was 12, 13, and 16, respectively; and 10, 16, and 16 in season 2. The three most dominant groups of soil arthropods were collembola, mites, and ants. The population patterns of soil arthropods for those three commodities were similar. Paraquat was thought to be toxic to non-target organism, such as terrestrial arthropods. This research showed that paraquat had an effect on the presence and population of soil arthropods for certain time after application. However, after 8 to 12 weeks after application, the population increased slightly.