Degradation of trifluralin in three Victorian soils under field and laboratory conditions

Abstract

The effects of soil moisture and temperature on trifluralin degradation were investigated in 3 Australian soils under field and laboratory conditions. For the field trials, the amount of trifluralin persisting over 1 year into the next cropping season varied from 9 to 24%. From laboratory experiments, separate relationships were derived for the effects of temperature and moisture 1 on trifluralin degradation. Trifluralin degradation I increased with both increasing moisture and increasing temperature. The results indicate potential for unusually long persistence of trifluralin in years of low rainfall when the soil becomes very dry. It is therefore recommended that analysis for trifluralin residues or activity be undertaken if a sensitive crop such as oat, sorghum, or millet, or a sensitive pasture species such as phalaris or ryegrass, is sown after very dry climatic conditions following trifluralin application. The wheatbelt regions of Australia do not experience cold conditions for long enough periods for low temperatures to be a major factor contributing to trifluralin persistence. Degradation was compared for trifluralin applied as a formulation of the herbicide and as the active ingredient alone, to determine the validity of results obtained using the pure herbicide. In half of the 6 field and laboratory studies, there was a statistically significant difference between degradation of trifluralin as the active ingredient and as the formulation. This indicates a need to use the formulated compound in laboratory experiments if results are to reflect normal agricultural practices.