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 Prof Andrew Neal, a microbiologist at Rothamsted Research, oxygen availability in the soil is crucial 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.
- Oxygen availability affects the efficiency of soil microorganisms in breaking down glyphosate.
- Soil biology and the presence of cultivations also impact glyphosate breakdown.
Author's summary: Oxygen affects glyphosate breakdown.