Prolonged Glyphosate Application Effects on Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon in Coffee Cultivation Systems: Preliminary Observation

Coffee Arabica, native to Ethiopia and accounting for 60–70% of global production, thrives on healthy soil, which supports its high-quality beans. Soil characteristics influence plant health and bean quality, while coffee cultivation helps protect soil from erosion, retain moisture, and support microbial activity. Sustainable practices improve soil health by enhancing organic matter, microorganisms, and nutrient mobility. Effective weed management boosts productivity by improving soil conditions and reducing competition, while proper control mitigates pest risks and enhances market value. From this preliminary observation, prolonged herbicide use harms soil health, disrupts microbial communities, and reduces fertility. Balanced weed management strategies are essential for sustainable coffee cultivation. Soil samples were tested for pH, with glyphosate-treated plots showing lower pH values (5.20 at 0-20 cm and 5.22 at 20-40 cm) compared to untreated plots (5.86 and 5.58). Prolonged glyphosate use reduced organic matter, causing soil acidification, decreased microbial biomass, and slower herbicide degradation, which increases persistence and complicates weed management. The data shows that herbicide use negatively affects soil microbial biomass carbon and pH, with broader implications for soil health and ecosystem sustainability. Reduced microbial biomass and pH indicate impaired microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and soil stability, all essential for agricultural productivity. These results highlight the need for sustainable agricultural practices to protect soil health. However, the studies limited scope calls for more research on herbicide impacts and strategies for maintaining soil health while managing weeds.