Mailin Gaupp-Berghausen, Martin Hofer, Boris Rewald, and Johann G. Zaller, “Glyphosate-based herbicides reduce the activity and reproduction of earthworms and lead to increased soil nutrient concentrations,” Nature: Scientific Reports, 2015, 5: 12886, DOI: 10.1038/srep12886.

ABSTRACT:

Herbicide use is increasing worldwide both in agriculture and private gardens. However, our earthworms, is still very scarce. In a greenhouse experiment, we assessed the impact of the most strategies. We demonstrate, that the surface casting activity of vertically burrowing earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) almost ceased three weeks after herbicide application, while the activity of soil dwelling earthworms (Aporrectodea caliginosa) was reduced by 56% within three months after herbicide application. Herbicide application led to increased soil concentrations of nitrate by 1592% and phosphate by 127%, pointing to potential risks for nutrient leaching into streams, lakes, or groundwater aquifers. These sizeable herbicide-induced impacts on agroecosystems are particularly worrisome because these herbicides have been globally used for decades.  FULL TEXT