Nitrate concentration and microbial activities in maize cultivated plots under different weed control management.

The effects of t'wo weeding methods (l-chemical treatments onthe open ground;2- chemical te4tment on rows integrated with hoeings) on respiratory activity, microbial biomass C, metabolic quotient (qCO), organic C content, mineralization index, nitrate concentration and potential nitrification activity (PNA) have been evaluated in plot trials on a sandy loam (typic udifluvent, fine lamy, mixed calcarous, mesic) under temperate climate. The data indicated that different weeding systems affected the microbial biomass, qCO2, soil nitrate content and PNA. The weeding treatment on rows integrated with hoeings was more environmentally acceptable because it allowed a lower quantity of herbicide per surface unit and a lower fertilization input.