Effects of butachlor on CH4 emission and the count of anaerobes in paddy soil or in the media were studied. The results obtained showed that CH4 emission and growth of methanogens would be greatly affected at field rates of butachlor within 2 weeks, but this adverse effects would disappear as time went on. CH4 emission and methanogenic activities would be retarded by butachlor in media for longer time. The amount of butachlor available to act upon anaerobes depended on application rate and method of application.