Soil Organisms Studies for Agrochemicals

Soil Organisms Studies for Agrochemicals

Weeds and insects can hinder crop yield and productivity. Therefore, herbicides and insecticides are widely used to ensure higher yields by eliminating or suppressing pest populations. These compounds are either applied directly to the soil strata or as sprays through leaching enters rivers, streams and other water bodies as agricultural run-offs. As a result, the soil receives a large number of complex agrochemical compounds, some of which are poisonous to the activity of non-target beneficial soil microorganisms. This indiscriminate use of pesticides not only disturbs soil biodiversity, but also adversely affects the soil microhabitat, which consists of soil micro-fauna in field communities and soil ecosystems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an ecologically sound strategy to maintain soil health and promote food security without reducing global soil biodiversity. Combined with experienced test managers, test animals from our own breeding, modern test techniques and efficient project logistics, BOC Sciences is able to provide the ideal prerequisites for conducting all relevant soil biological studies for the agrochemicals analysis according to OECD/ISO/EPA.

Figure 1. Impact of agrochemicals on soil microbiota. (Ram, S. M.; et al. 2020)

Features of Our Services

• State-of-the-art climatic test rooms and spacious greenhouses
• In-house soil and residue analysis
• Open-field trials can be carried out in different sites with a variety of crops and the option of sprinkling

Agrochemicals open-field studies

We are experienced in conducting agrochemicals open-field studies of soil organisms, including earthworms, nematodes, several soil-dwelling arthropods, including microarthropods (collembolans and soil mites). Our team of experienced scientists and technicians are able to plan and implement semi-field and field trials according to the latest guidelines.

Earthworm studies

Adult earthworms are exposed to a range of concentrations of agrochemicals in the soil and can be used to assess the acute lethal toxicity and sub-chronic reproductive toxicity of chemicals to earthworms.

• Both soil incorporation and surface spraying are available
• The test units are prepared with artificial soil and incubated under controlled conditions for the duration of the study
• Lighting levels, photoperiod and temperature can be maintained at levels that meet the requirements of the guidelines
• Larvae are extracted using validated methods to ensure complete recovery of all organisms
• Determination of the earthworm abundance, biomass and species range
• OECD 207: Acute toxicity test
• OECD 222: Reproduction test (Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei)
• OCSPP 850.3100: Sub-chronic toxicity test

Figure 2. A schematic illustration depicting the response and effects of pesticides on soil microbial communities and biodiversity. (Ram, S. M.; et al. 2020)

Colibola (Folsomia candida) and Soil predatory mite (Hypoaspis aculeifer)

To determine the effect of agrochemicals on the reproductive capacity of Colibri species (Folsomia candida) or the soil predatory mite species (Hypoaspis aculeifer), from which LC₅₀, EC_x, LOEC and NOEC values can also be determined.

• OECD 226: Reproduction test of predatory mites (Hypoaspis (Geolaelaps) aculeifer) in soil
• OECD 232: Collembolan reproduction test in soil

Soil micro-organisms

We can assess the effect of the agrochemicals on the nitrogen or carbon conversion activity of soil micro-organisms. The sieved soil will either be treated with the test substance or left untreated for the control.

• OECD 216: Soil micro-organisms. Nitrogen transformation test
• OECD 217: Soil micro-organisms. Carbon conversion test

BOC Sciences Advantages

• Highly specialized technical and analytical services for the worldwide registration and regulatory compliance of agrochemicals
• Robust analytical testing programs that span from research and product development through the production process to final product
• Relies on broad industrial experience, ensuring that all of our work meets the high standards expected by our clients
• Our regulatory experts, toxicology consultants, scientists and inspectors will ensure that you receive maximum levels of guidance, testing and inspection you need.

Reference

• Ram, S. M.; et al. Impact of Agrochemicals on Soil Microbiota and Management: A Review. Land. 2020. 9(2): 34.