Effect of organic matter and chemical fertilizers on 2, 4-D degradation: Changes in microbiological status of 2, 4-D-perfused soil

Abstract

Various groups of microbial populations and 2,4-D-degrading microbes in 2,4-D-enriched soils amended with rice straw, compost and N-P-K fertilizers combined or separately applied were enumerated ·by the most probable number (MPN) and plate (;ount methods. respectively. No recognizable differences. in the numbers of yeast and tolal bacteria were found between the different amendments. The population of 2,4-D-degrading bacteria, however, was greater in N-P-K and compost amendments than in rice straw and control (non-amendment). 2,4-D-degrading bacteria were isolated from the perfused soil and all the strains degraded 2,4-D rapidly with increasing phosphorus concentration. Moreover, in a medium with glucose or sucrose as organic source, the isolates utilized these materials for growth without attacking 2,4-D to any extent and vice versa ill medium containing cellulose or starch.