Degradation of Monocrotophos in Soil by Bacillus subtilis KPA-1 and its Effect on Soil Properties

Monocrotophos degradation by co-application of Bacillus subtilis KPA-1 strain in a silt loam soil before sowing of greengram seeds in pot culture experiment is reported. Various soil physico-chemical properties, and enzymatic and microbial parameters were compared for monocrotophos, monocrotophos along with Bacillus subtilis KPA1 strain and control treatments in five replications at 40 and 65 d after sowing (DAS). Results revealed that urease, alkaline and acid phosphatase activities, macro nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micro nutrients like iron declined significantly with monocrtophos application. This loss was recovered significantly by B. subtilis KPA-1 application to monocrotophos treated soils. Monocrotophos residues reflected that Bacillus subtilis KPA-1 was capable of degrading monocrotophos in soil and that the degradation improved the soil fertility.