Abstract: Fumigants are widely used for the control of soil-borne diseases, weeds and nematodes because of their high biological activity and wide spectrum. However, it will inevitably effect soil microorganisms. Soil microorganisms, as one of the evaluation criteria for soil health, have a large population and rich variety, and play an important role in the process of nutrient cycling and element conversion. Therefore, it is crucial to study the effect of fumigants on soil microorganisms. In this review, the effects of several common fumigants, such as chloropicrin, dazomet, metam-sodium and dimethyl disulfide, on the quantity, diversity, community composition, dominant flora and nitrogen cycling function of microorganisms in soil were summarized, which would provide a theoretical basis for understanding the succession of soil microorganisms after fumigation. After the six fumigants listed in this review fumigated the soil, the diversity of soil microorganisms decreased in a short time, the community composition changed greatly, and the microorganisms with nitrogen circulation function were inhibited in a short time.