Effects of cloransulam-methyl and diclosulam on soil nitrogen and carbon cycle-related microorganisms

Abstract

Cloransulam-methyl and diclosulam are applied to soybean fields to control broad-leaved weeds. These herbicides have become a focus of attention because of their low application dose and high-efficiency advantages. However, the effects of these two herbicides on soil microorganisms are unknown. The present study investigated the effects of 0.05, 0.5, and 2.5 mg kg−1 of cloransulam-methyl or diclosulam on soil microbes after 7, 14, 28, 42, and 56 days of exposure. The results showed that the two herbicides increased the abundances of functional bacteria related to pesticide degradation. Based on the genetic expression results, we speculated that 0.05 mg kg−1 of these two herbicides inhibited the nitrification reaction but promoted the denitrification reaction. Diclosulam at a concentration of 0.5 mg kg−1 may enhance the ability of microbes to fix carbon. β-glucosidase activity was activated by the two herbicides at a concentration of 2.5 mg kg−1. Diclosulam had a positive effect on urease, but cloransulam-methyl activated urease activity only at concentrations of 0.05 and 0.5 mg kg−1. The results of the integrated biomarker response showed that the toxicity of diclosulam was greater than that of cloransulam-methyl. Our research provides data for evaluating the environmental risks of cloransulam-methyl and diclosulam.