Nutrient cycling can be indexed by measurement of soil enzymes, various components of the N cycle, cellulose or wood degradation, and of respiration. Accumulation of pollutants. Toxins may accumulate if soil microbial life is degraded. The soil's ability to dechlorinate organic compounds can be impaired, especially in sulfate-rich anaerobic environments. This effect can result in nitrite accumulation.
Anaerobic conditions can arise as a result of compaction or waterlogging.
Production of large amounts of methane would indicate the strongly reducing conditions associated with anoxia. Effects of Toxic Substances on Microorganisms Generally speaking, organic compounds are readily degraded in warm climates, and less so in cold. Toxic metals, on the other hand, can remain in soils and cause long-term damage to soil microbial communities regardless of temperature. Sims discusses the effects of pesticides and organic and inorganic pollutants. Pesticides can influence soil microbial activity, at times paradoxically.