Changes in soil microbial communities after exposure to neonicotinoids: A systematic review

Neonicotinoids are a group of nicotine‐related chemicals widely used as insecticides in agriculture. Several studies have shown measurable quantities of neonicotinoids in the environment but little is known regarding their impact on soil microbial populations. The purpose of this systematic review was to clarify the effects of neonicotinoids on soil microbiology and to highlight any knowledge gaps. A formal systematic review was performed following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines using keywords in PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science. This resulted in 29 peer‐reviewed articles, whose findings diverged widely because of variable methodologies. Field‐based studies were few (28%). Imidacloprid was the most widely used (66%) and soil microbial communities were most sensitive to it. Spray formulations were used in 83% of the studies and seed treatments in the rest. Diversity indices were the most frequently reported soil microbial parameter (62%). About 45% of the studies found that neonicotinoids had adverse impacts on soil microbial community structure, composition, diversity, functioning, enzymatic activity and nitrogen transformation. Interactions with soil physicochemical properties were poorly addressed in all studies. The need for more research, particularly field‐based research on the effects of neonicotinoids on soil microorganisms was highlighted by this review.