Influence of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on 2,4‐d degradation in soil

Abstract

Mineralization of 14C‐2,4‐D in soil amended with a nitrogen fertilizer (NH4NO3) was markedly reduced and progressively decreased with N application rate. On the other hand, 2,4‐D mineralization in soil was generally not affected by the addition of a phosphorus (P) fertilizer [Ca(H2PO4)2]. Addition of both N and P fertilizers to soil, 2,4‐D mineralization either further reduced or was not affected. Even though NH4NO3 may increase overall soil microbial activity, especially nitrification activity, as a result of catabolite repression, it may inhibit 2,4‐D degradation.