Assessing the Leaching Potential of Herbicides at the Ohio MSEA

Workman, S. R.; Ward, A. D.; Knisel, W. G.; ,

Assessing the Leaching Potential of Herbicides at the Ohio MSEA

by S. R. Workman, USDA-ARS, Columbus, United States,
A. D. Ward, USDA-ARS, Columbus, United States,
W. G. Knisel, USDA-ARS, Columbus, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Irrigation and Drainage: Saving a Threatened Resource?In Search of Solutions

Abstract:

The GLEAMS model was used to assess the potential for herbicide leaching at the Ohio MSEA. Input data, typical of the Ohio MSEA, was used in conjunction with precipitation data for the period 1986-1992. Leaching occurred primarily in the winter months following chemical application with peak concentrations of 35 ppb atrazine being simulated at the bottom of the root zone for a low organic matter soil. Simulated atrazine concentrations rarely exceeded 1 ppb for a typical high organic matter soil. Simulated leaching potential of alachlor was low due to its chemical characteristics. Preliminary field observations from May, 1991 are presented. Atrazine and alachlor were detected at a depth of 0.3 m within three weeks of chemical application despite low rainfall during this period.

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