Summary
This controlled greenhouse study examined how glyphosate-based herbicides affect interactions between earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in white clover-colonised soil. Glyphosate application significantly reduced root mycorrhization and AMF spore biomass, whilst increasing soil hyphal biomass and reducing water infiltration capacity. The herbicide's effects on earthworm vigour and the substantial leaching of glyphosate following simulated rainfall underscore potential ecosystem-level consequences of routine herbicide use that warrant further investigation.
Regional applicability
This laboratory-based experiment does not specify study location, limiting direct geographic applicability. However, the findings are relevant to United Kingdom agricultural and horticultural practice, given widespread glyphosate use in UK arable, horticulture, and amenity sectors. Field validation under UK soil and climate conditions would strengthen evidence for policy or management guidance.
Key measures
Root mycorrhization percentage, soil AMF spore biomass, vesicle and propagule counts, soil hyphal biomass, soil water infiltration rate, earthworm mass and activity, glyphosate leaching after simulated rainfall
Outcomes reported
The study measured the effects of glyphosate herbicide application on belowground interactions between earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in a greenhouse experiment with white clover. Key outcomes included root mycorrhization rates, AMF spore biomass, soil hyphal biomass, water infiltration, earthworm activity levels, and glyphosate leaching patterns.
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