Comparing the effects of imidacloprid and its alternatives on soil biological communities in turfgrass through different routes of exposure

Abstract

We are currently investigating the ecological consequences of imidacloprid and its alternatives on soil biological communities in order to develop practices that achieve pest management goals without compromising belowground ecological services. The aim of the proposed project is to identify the routes of exposure through which imidacloprid affects soil invertebrates and microbial communities. By tracking pesticide residues in the field and by measuring how soil biota respond to imidacloprid, we can better inform stakeholders about non-target effects of imidacloprid, highlight the importance of beneficial biota in soil ecological services and provide information about developing alternatives to imidacloprid for turfgrass. Our findings indicated that both imidacloprid and cyantraniliprole were detectable in soils soon after and up to 12 months following soil application. Our work also shows that imidacloprid had stronger effects on soil biota but that imidacloprid and cyantraniliprole are capable of having both stimulatory and suppressive effects on soil microbial decomposition activity that vary based on pesticide concentration.