An integrated approach including metabolic and genetic fingerprinting as well as conventional ecotoxicological testing
procedures was used to follow the impact of pesticide treatment on the structure and function of bacterial soil
communities [33’]. The application of the herbicide Herbogil showed the greatest impact on community composition
and metabolic activity. BIOLOG (a substrate utilization assay) and TGGE analysis showed differences in substrate utilization patterns, and in the number and intensities of bands, respectively. The ecotoxicological testing
procedures showed a reduction of substrate-induced respiration and dehydrogenase activity, and an increase in
nitrogen mineralization. Sequencing of excised TGGE bands showed the phylogenetic affiliation of community
members that were most responsive to herbicide treatment.