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New Richmond Wi

http://www.acresusa.com/toolbox/reprints/May2011_Huber.pdf

In a 2011 article published in "Acres USA", (link above) distinguished plant pathologist and Emeritus professor at Purdue, Don Huber, presents a rather eye-opening discussion on the effects of Round Up (glyphosate) on soils, microorganisms, and plants.

Cutting to the chase, research is suggesting glyphosate may have the following effects-

1. glyphosate can remain active in the soil for long periods of time, notably in soils with high clay content

2. glyphosate can be "reactivated" in soils when phosphorous fertilizers are added, potentially causing damage to the existing plants.

3. glyphosate has been found to be toxic to the soil bacteria that fix nitrogen and those that make manganese available to the plant

4. Lastly, evidence has emerged that correlates a relatively new plant pathogen to the use of round up-ready GMO corn & beans.

It was interesting to read that this herbicide works by essentially shutting down the plant's own immune system, and that death ultimately occurs because of infection due to naturally occurring soil fungi that are normally kept at bay by the plant's immune system.

For the record, my intention is not to initiate an anti-glyphosate campaign. Rather, I offer this information so that growers who choose to use this herbicide in their patches are more aware of what may be going on in their soils. Enjoy!

3/2/2013 6:59:03 AM

Deer Park, WI

FYI, the commentary above was originated by Joe, not Pete or Lorelee. Please direct any message board venom or other commentary to yours truly. Thx.

3/2/2013 7:03:02 AM

Muddy Waters

Thx for the information

3/2/2013 9:39:55 AM

Piqua, Ohio

that's interesting, what they've been telling farmers is about opposite of this, I've always been told when it hits dirt it will not hurt anything.

3/2/2013 10:37:55 AM

Bethlehem CT

It seems there are so many contradictory studies with round up, I don't know who to believe. Each side has their own interests at stake and their studies always seem to reflect that.

3/2/2013 1:19:51 PM

Pemberton, BC

I use alot of glyphophate on our farm of about 800 acres, its a tool I can't do without. That said I have NEVER used it in my patch and never will.

I think that in the regular world of production growing when used as directed its negatives are minimal. I do believe that under certain conditions it can remain in the soil and be detrimental, I of course have no evidence of this other than my own observations. When it comes to AG's and you are trying to squezze every last pound out of a giant pupmpkin any negative is well just that, a negative.

3/2/2013 3:15:39 PM

NILES , CALIF

Ive been useing lots of it to rid of nettle;
You got to get rid of it cause it spreads all over your
yard;
acccording to the roundup people you can grow anything
in the dirt after you spray, and there is no harmful effects?

3/2/2013 4:59:58 PM

Deer Park, WI

Monsanto's counterpoint for those who are interested:

http://www.monsanto.com/newsviews/pages/huber-pathogen-roundup-ready-crops.aspx

3/2/2013 6:39:38 PM

Ontario

Ever check to see what happenes to earthworm populations after applying roundup? maybe they know something we don't!
Terry

3/3/2013 9:34:07 AM

Taylorsville, California

Besides what it may be doing to our soil organisms,earthworms, bees ect,there have been many credible studies linking roundup still active in groundwater to birth defects,cancer,DNA damage, endocrine problems, neurotoxicity and a number of other problems. With the joke that is the EPA and the clandestine workings of Monsanto we honestlyknow very little of the truth regarding glyphosate, or really anything made by Monsanto and "approved" by the EPA. Just look at the neonicotinoids (i.e clothianidin & imidacloprid) approved by the EPA that many countries around the world have banned due to bee colony collapse as well as health concerns. Lobbyists anyone?

3/3/2013 12:17:19 PM