ARS | Publication request: Effects of endosulfan on soil respiration

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Meetings
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: November 4, 2007
Publication Date: November 4, 2007
Citation: Joseph, R., Reed, S.T., Clark-Cuadrado, C. 2007. Effects of endosulfan on soil respiration. American Society of Agronomy Meetings.

Technical Abstract: Endosulfan (6,7,8,9,10,10-hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzadioxathiepin 3-oxide) is commonly applied to agricultural crops as a insecticide. However, little is known about its effect on soil microorganisms. A study was conducted to assess the fate and transport of endosulfan with and without a buffer strip. This paper will report the effects of endosulfan on soil respiration. Moisture, temperature and CO2 production were measured in a bean field where endosulfan had been applied. Beans were grown in 16.5 x 2.4 m field with a 2.0 slope emanating from the center. At the base of each slope were 4, 4.1 x 1.8 m plots. Half the plots were planted to switch grass and half were bare soil. Endosulfan was applied to bean area. Net CO2 production was measured weekly using an ADC LCA-4 analyzer. Campbell Scientific CS616 Water Content Reflectometers were used to measure average soil moisture content between the surface and 30-cm depth. Soil temperature was measured with Campbell CS107 temperature probes at 6 cm deep. The experimental design included 2 treatments, no endosulfan and endosulfan applied at 12.32 Kg ha-1 with four replications of each treatment. The collected data from both treatments was compared to determine the effects of the pesticide on the readings.