Homemade alternative preparations: effect on soil microbial respiration

Abstract

Homemade pesticides are widely used in agriculture as alternatives to commercial pesticides to manage pests and diseases, although little is known about its environmental effects. This study aimed to evaluate its effect on microbial respiration of soil from annual crops and forest. The respiration was assessed by titration in 40 grams of soil amended with 1 mL of the following alternative preparations: milk preparation, garlic, pepper and soap (GaPS) extract, tobacco extract, lime-sulfur preparationand water. The application of alternative preparations modified microbial soil respiration patterns. GaPS and tobacco extracts trigger more pronounced stress on microbial populations. Soil from cultivated crops responded more intensely and quickly to the application of alternative preparations. We conclude that home preparations interfere with the metabolism of soil micro-organisms, indicating the urgent need for more studies on at subject, and the need for caution in their use.