Considerable research establishes that glyphosate adversely effects soil microbial species and communities, including nitrogen-fixing species and fungal populations. This new study by researchers at Cornell University looks at the response to glyphosate of soil bacteria (Pseudomonas spp) which produce a range of antibiotic compounds, iron-scavenging molecules (or siderophores), and plant growth promoters. Several species are effective biocontrol agents which protect plants against pathogens and promote plant health.
As this October 7th article in Sustainable Pulse points out “As farmers battle in their above-ground war on weeds using glyphosate-based herbicides, they may inadvertently create underground casualties – unintentionally attacking the beneficial bacteria that help crops guard against enemy fungus.”
You can read the full article here.
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