New publications on the effects of plant protection products on soil organisms

The collaboration between the Marie Skłodowska-Curie International Training Networks ARISTO and PRORISK, both funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme and with the contribution of ECT, has resulted in two scientific publications.

In the project ARISTO, it was investigated how pesticides affect soil microorganisms, especially key microbial groups that play important roles in nutrient cycling. In the project PRORISK, this work was complemented by studying how chemical stressors affect soil organisms such as micro-arthropods, which contribute to vital ecosystem services and thus to soil fertility.

In collaborative studies, the effects of individual and sequential applications of three plant protection products – the herbicide clopyralid, the insecticide zeta-cypermethrin, and the fungicide pyraclostrobin – were investigated. Effects on soil microbes, nematodes, and micro-arthropods (springtails and mites) were evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. The results showed that in the field, fungal communities were generally more affected by pesticide applications than bacterial communities, which were mainly shaped by natural soil properties. Only temporary effects were found on nematodes. In laboratory tests, pyraclostrobin and zeta-cypermethrin led to concentration-dependent effects on the survival and reproduction of the springtail Folsomia candida. Under field conditions, no negative effects on springtail abundance or diversity were detected. Compared to single pesticide applications, sequential application had no aggravating effect. Overall, the studies found no lasting effects on these key soil inhabitants. These results provide valuable insights into how pesticide use influences soil life and support the development of more sustainable agricultural practices.

For further information, see the open access publications:

Drocco, C., Fernandes, S., Xie, L., Devers, M., Förster, B., Martin-Laurent, F., Romdhane, S., Spor, A., Thiour-Mauprivez, C., Coors, A. (2026). Effects of a sequential application of plant protection products on soil microbes and free-living nematodes in a field experiment. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 45, 351-362. [read more]

Fernandes, S., Xie, L., Drocco, C., van Gestel, C.A.M., Berg, M.P., Holmstrup, M., Slotsbo, S., Förster, B., Coors, A. (2026). Effects of a sequential application of three pesticides on soil microarthropods in a field study. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 45, 341-350. [read more]

For additional new publications, see ECT’s publication list.