Herbicides Have Minimal and Variable Effects on the Structure and Function of Bacterial Communities in Agricultural Soils.

ABSTRACT: Synthetic herbicides are relied on for weed management in the United States, and non-chemical alternatives, such as tillage, can be inefficient and expensive at an agricultural scale. Previous research examining the influence of weed management strategies on soil microbial communities has shown variability and inconsistency in experimental design and results. This study investigates the impact of repeated applications of glyphosate, a mixture of selective herbicides, and tillage on soil bacterial communities in sugar beet production across two locations in the United States. Using next-generation sequencing and various assays, we explore the effects on bacterial community structure, composition, and function related to nutrient cycling and soil health. Although transient and minor differen

SUBMITTER: Gaylord M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12260311 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature