Impact of Oxygen and Cultivation on Glyphosate Breakdown
The breakdown of glyphosate in soils is influenced by three key factors: oxygen availability, soil biology, and cultivation. Glyphosate is effective for controlling weeds, but its persistence in soil raises concerns about environmental impacts and soil health.
According to Rothamsted Research microbiologist Prof Andrew Neal, oxygen availability is essential for glyphosate degradation. Glyphosate contains a strong carbon-phosphorus bond, which requires substantial energy to break and is rarely found in nature.
Microscopic pores are extremely important to oxygen movement and availability.
Soil microorganisms that can cleave this bond depend on high oxygen availability to do so efficiently. However, there is uncertainty around the number of soil microorganisms that possess the necessary enzymes.
- Oxygen availability
- Soil biology
- Cultivation
Author's summary: Oxygen and cultivation impact glyphosate breakdown in soils.