Permeation of soil fumigants through agricultural plastic films

Plastic films are used in soil fumigation to control fumigant emission into the atmosphere. In previous studies it was shown that the plastic films are permeable to fumigant vapors. Virtually impermeable films (VIF) have been developed to reduce such emission and to increase the efficacy of pest control. A rapid, accurate, sensitive and simple method to measure the permeability of plastic films to soil fumigants that was developed in the present study is described in this paper. The method uses a static, closed system in which the tested film is fixed between two cells. The fumigant is sampled by a solid-phase microextraction method and measured quantitatively by gas chromatography. The method was used to assess the permeability of two plastic films — a low-density polyethylene film (LDPE) and a VIF — to commercial soil fumigants formulated individually or in mixtures. All the tested fumigants permeated through the commonly used LDPE film, in the following descending order of permeability: methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), methyl bromide (MBr), 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D; Telone), chloropicrin (CP). The VIF was impermeable to all the tested fumigants except MITC, the permeation of which was reduced by 40%. The permeation of some fumigants through LDPE films was influenced by the formulation used. The permeation of CP was increased when it was combined with MBr in Bromopic. With Telopic, a mixture of 1,3-D and CP, the permeation of 1,3-D through LDPE film was 62% greater than that of Telone, whereas that of CP was not affected. The permeation rates of both MBr and CP were 25–30% greater when they were formulated as a mixture in Bromopic than when they were formulated individually. The formulation of fumigants as mixtures of two components did not affect their permeability through VIF. This study showed that differences in the suitability of plastic films for soil fumigation can be measured easily in a laboratory. It also showed that the VIP was more effective than LDPE in reducing losses of fumigant to the atmosphere, thus allowing more efficient use of fumigants to manage soilborne pests. The presented method helps us to choose the most adequate film for optimizing fumigation efficacy, and reducing costs and environmental risks. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Sept. 17, 2006.     

完全不渗透膜对熏蒸剂大气散发的控制效果

为明确完全不透性膜(totally impermeable film,TIF)对熏蒸剂在田间应用时散发和残留的影响,采用静态散发箱技术测定了TIF与聚乙烯膜(polythene film,PE)对氯化苦、1,3-二氯丙烯(1,3-dichloropropene,1,3-D)和棉隆施用后所产生的异硫氰酸甲酯(methyl isothiocyanate,MITC)大气散发的控制效果,并应用气相色谱法检测了揭膜后3种熏蒸剂在土壤中的残留情况。结果表明,在20 g/m~2(棉隆为15 g/m~2)剂量下,氯化苦、1,3-D及MITC透过PE的累积散发率为施用量的6.42%、7.37%和22.27%,透过TIF的累积散发率为施用量的0、0.65%和2.05%,表明TIF极大地降低了熏蒸剂向大气的散发量,可有效控制熏蒸剂向大气扩散。揭膜后氯化苦及1,3-D在各处理土壤中的残留量均低于0.30 mg/kg,说明TIF没有增加土壤中氯化苦和1,3-D的残留量;但MITC(15 g/m~2)在TIF下10~20 cm土壤中的残留量在3.28~3.41 mg/kg之间,高于在PE下的残留量(0.46~0.47 mg/kg),表明TIF能提高MITC在土壤中的持效浓度。     

Effect of temperature,organic amendment rate and moisture content on the degradation of 1,3‐dichloropropene in soil

1,3‐Dichloropropene (1,3‐D), which consists of two isomers, (Z)‐ and (E)‐1,3‐D, is considered to be a viable alternative to methyl bromide, but atmospheric emission of 1,3‐D is often associated with deterioration of air quality. To minimize environmental impacts of 1,3‐D, emission control strategies are in need of investigation. One approach to reduce 1,3‐D emissions is to accelerate its degradation by incorporating organic amendments into the soil surface. In this study, we investigated the ability of four organic amendments to enhance the rate of degradation of (Z)‐ and (E)‐1,3‐D in a sandy loam soil. Degradation of (Z)‐ and (E)‐1,3‐D was well described by first‐order kinetics, and rates of degradation for the two isomers were similar. Composted steer manure (SM) was the most reactive of the organic amendments tested. The half‐life of both the (Z)‐ and (E)‐isomers in unamended soil at 20 °C was 6.3 days; those in 5% SM‐amended soil were 1.8 and 1.9 days, respectively. At 40 °C, the half‐life of both isomers in 5% SM‐amended soil was 0.5 day. Activation energy values for amended soil at 2, 5 and 10% SM were 56.5, 53.4 and 64.5 kJ mol^?1, respectively. At 20 °C, the contribution of degradation from biological mechanisms was largest in soil amended with SM, but chemical mechanisms still accounted for more than 58% of the (Z)‐ and (E)‐1,3‐D degradation. The effect of temperature and amendment rate upon degradation should be considered when describing the fate and transport of 1,3‐D isomers in soil. Use of organic soil amendments appears to be a promising method to enhance fumigant degradation and reduce volatile emissions. Published in 2001 for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd     

Effects of surface treatments and application shanks on nematode, pathogen and weed control with 1,3-dichloropropene

BACKGROUND: Preplant fumigation with methyl bromide (MeBr) has been used for control of soilborne pests in high‐value annual, perennial and nursery crops, but is being phased out. In 2007 and 2008, research trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of surface treatments and two application shanks on pest control with 1,3‐dicloropropene (1,3‐D) in perennial crop nurseries. RESULTS: All 1,3‐D treatments controlled nematodes similarly to MeBr. Application of 1,3‐D with virtually impermeable film (VIF) reduced Fusarium oxysporum compared with unfumigated plots, but was not as effective as MeBr. Applications of 1,3‐D with VIF or 1,3‐D followed by metam sodium reduced Pythium spp., but 1,3‐D followed by intermittent water seals was comparable with the untreated plots. When sealed with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) film or VIF, 1,3‐D generally was as effective as MeBr for reducing weed density and total weed biomass, but weed control was reduced by intermittent water seals and in unsealed plots subsequently re‐treated with additional 1,3‐D or metam sodium. CONCLUSION: Applications of 1,3‐D sealed with HDPE or VIF film or with intermittent water seals can control nematodes similarly to MeBr. However, additional management practices may be needed for effective pathogen and weed control if plastic film is not used. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

1,3-dichloropropene distribution in soil when applied by drip irrigation or injection in pineapple culture

The fumigant nematicide, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D VL; ‘Telone’ II) and a soluble liquid formulation, 1,3-D SL were tested in a pineapple field experiment to evaluate the vapor movement of the two formulations in soil gas as well as the movement and persistence of 1,3-D SL in soil profiles. Prior to planting, 1,3-D VL (407 kg ha^?1) was hand-injected into the soil in two parallel rows per planting bed to approximate the practice of chisel injection. 1,3-D SL (407 kg ha^?1) was applied with 6 mm of water by drip irrigation through a drip tube in the center of the bed. Post-plant applications of 1,3-D SL (113 kg ha^?1) were made at three-month intervals during a two-crop cycle. 1,3-D concentrations in soil gas were lower at the plant line in the drip treatment compared with the 1,3-D VL treatment, owing to differences in application method and fumigant placement. 1,3-D in the vapor phase reached peak concentrations 24 h after injection in the 1,3-D VL treatment compared with a peak at 48 h in the drip treatment. Post-plant applications of 1,3-D SL resulted in a three-fold difference in peak 1,3-D soil gas concentrations between replicate applications, the concentration being inversely related to soil moisture at the time of sampling. Drip application of 1,3-D SL resulted in a relatively uniform distribution of 1,3-D across the bed and to a depth of 45 cm. There was no effect of formulation on downward movement of 1,3-D and persistence in soil profiles sampled two weeks and one month after application. Rainfall which occurred 9 days after pre-plant 1,3-D fumigation resulted in leaching of 1,3-D to a depth of 150 cm in soil profiles. Due to the short half-life of 1,3-D, significant penetration of 1,3-D in the soil was observed only when irrigation or rainfall occurred soon after application.     

Movement and biological activity of drip-applied 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin in raised mulched beds in the southeastern USA

Movement and biological activity of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin applied through drip irrigation in raised beds was investigated at three locations in the southeastern USA. Tests were conducted in fields with dense populations of nutsedge (Cyperus spp), with one location also having a high level of soil nematodes, both of which served as biological indicators of the distribution of effective concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin. Objectives were (1) to gain a better understanding of 1,3-D and chloropicrin movement and the extent of biological activity outside of the wetted bed area, and (2) to examine the effect of application rate, application concentration and subsequent irrigation events on movement and activity of 1,3-D and chloropicrin. InLine, an emulsifiable concentrate containing 60.8% w/w 1,3-D and 33.3% w/w chloropicrin, was injected into polyethylene mulched beds through the drip tubes and water movement in the beds was visualized by adding a blue dye to the injection system. Gas concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin in soil were measured using Gastec detection tubes at different positions relative to the drip tube at 1-4 days after InLine application. After one week, mulch was removed and nutsedge survival evaluated at different positions in the bed. High concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin were measured at the bed center and midway between the bed center and the shoulder, but concentrations were low at the bed shoulder. Width of nutsedge control was significantly greater than width of water movement. Plant-parasitic nematodes were controlled over the entire bed width, but nutsedge re-emerged at the bed shoulders regardless of treatment. Higher application rates and concentrations of 1,3-D + chloropicrin resulted in higher fumigant concentrations in soil air. Irrigations subsequent to application reduced soil air concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin and increased water movement, as did the use of two drip tubes instead of one. The data show that the pesticidal activity of 1,3-D + chloropicrin extends beyond the waterfront and indicate a significant degree of fumigant activity of emulsifiable 1,3-D + chloropicrin. However, unlike plant-parasitic nematodes, nutsedge could not be controlled over the entire bed width, regardless of rate, concentration and volume of water applied.     

Spatial and temporal distributions of 1,3-dichloropropene in soil under drip and shank application and implications for pest control efficacy using concentration–time index

A field experiment was conducted to study the spatial and temporal distributions of (EZ)-1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) in the soil and effects on pest control efficacy. An emulsifiable concentrate formulation of 1,3-D (Telone EC) was applied with drip irrigation at 47 kg AI ha⁻¹ to two different depths (2.5 and 20.3 cm, respectively). Comparisons were made between the two drip treatments and a direct shank injection of 1,3-D (Telone II) at 112 kg AI ha⁻¹. Concentrations of 1,3-D in soil air were measured at several locations over time to determine the spatial and temporal characteristics, and to calculate the concentration–time index (CT). Citrus nematodes (Tylenchulus semipenetrans) were placed in the fumigated soil at 25 cm depth and their mortality rates were compared to the calculated CT. Distributions of 1,3-D were found to be relatively uniform in both the drip irrigation and the shank injection treatment. An application rate of 47 kg ha⁻¹ with drip irrigation was sufficient to achieve significant concentration levels in soil beds. Applying 1,3-D with direct shank injection at 112 kg ha⁻¹ extended the measurable concentration levels to the furrows between the soil beds and to a depth of 1 m below the soil surface. Effective control of T. semipenetrans was achieved with both the drip irrigation and the shank injection. A threshold soil 1,3-D CT value of 12 μg h cm⁻³ was needed to reach a 100% efficacy for T. semipenetrans. The study indicates that 1,3-D fumigation may be carried out with drip irrigation at very low rate, and a CT index may be derived to aid in the determination of a minimum effective dosage. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Persistence and leaching of beta-cyfluthrin in alluvial soil of India

Persistence as affected by rate of application and moisture regimes and leaching of beta-cyfluthrin was studied in alluvial soil under laboratory conditions. The effects of rate of application and moisture regimes on persistence were studied by incubating fortified soil at 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg kg(-1) under air-dry, field capacity and submerged moisture regimes. The initial deposits of 0.09, 1.11 and 10.1 mg kg(-1) dissipated with time and 78.4-100% loss was recorded at 90 days. The half-life values varied from 7.8 to 41.8 days. The rate of dissipation decreased as the rate of application increased under field capacity and submerged conditions. However, under air-dry conditions, the effect was less pronounced, and half-life values showed a reverse trend. Persistence of beta-cyfluthrin under different moisture regimes followed the trend: air-dry > field capacity > submerged. The trend could be attributed to the effect of moisture on number and type of microbes. Leaching was studied in a packed soil column under saturated flow conditions. beta-Cyfluthrin was found to be highly immobile in alluvial soil. No residues were detected in any leachate fraction under the experimental conditions. In column soil, residues were detected at 0-10 cm depth and the major amount (>99%) was recovered from 0-5 cm depth. Although beta-cyfluthrin showed moderate persistence in alluvial soil, the possibility of its leaching to ground water is negligible as a result of its immobility.     

Characterization of residues in soybeans grown in soil treated with 1,3-dichloropropene soil fumigant

The metabolism of cis- and trans-1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) was studied in soybean plants grown in soil treated 24 days prior to planting with [U-¹⁴C]E- and Z-1,3-dichloropropene at 380 liters ha^?1. Isolation and identification of the ¹⁴C residue from soybean plants at 84 days (forage) and 176 days (mature) after application showed that no 1,3-dichloropropene or its putative metabolites, 3-chloroallyl alcohol and 3-chloroacrylic acid, could be detected in any of the tissues. The components of the ¹⁴C residue included major plant constituents (i.e. fatty acids, protein, pigments, organic acids, sucrose and other carbohydrates, and lignin).     

Surface application of ammonium thiosulfate fertilizer to reduce volatilization of 1,3‐dichloropropene from soil

Atmospheric emission of the soil fumigant 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐D) is of environmental concern because of its toxicity and carcinogenicity. Thiosulfate fertilizers have been found to rapidly transform 1,3‐D in soil to non‐volatile ions which are less toxic. We investigated the use of surface application of ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) for reducing 1,3‐D volatilization. In packed soil columns, emission of 1,3‐D applied by sub‐surface injection decreased with increasing ATS application rate and the amount of water used for delivering ATS. When ATS was applied in 9 mm water at 64 g m⁻², total 1,3‐D emission was reduced by 61%. The reduction was 89% when ATS was applied at 193 g m⁻². Bioassays showed that ATS application did not affect the effectiveness of 1,3‐D for controlling citrus nematodes. In field plots where a 1,3‐D emulsified formulation was applied via sub‐surface drip, surface spray of ATS reduced 1,3‐D emissions by 50%, and by 71% when the surface was also covered with polyethylene film. ATS application had no effect on the efficacy of root‐knot nematode control or tomato yields. These results suggest that surface application of thiosulfate fertilizers may be a feasible and effective strategy for minimizing 1,3‐D emissions. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Soil disinfestation options in Aydın province,Turkey, strawberry cultivation

Two field experiments were conducted in the two successive seasons of 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 in strawberry-growing areas of Aydin province of Turkey to (a) compare soil solarization and metam sodium (MS) combinations with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and virtually impermeable film (VIF); and (b) evaluate strawberry fruit yield, soilborne disease and weed control efficacy. Disinfestation treatments were as follows: (i) raised bed solarization for about 6 weeks, (ii) raised bed solarization for 3 weeks, (iii) raised bed solarization for 2 weeks + MS (50 ml m^-2), (iv) MS (50 ml m^-2) with LPDE (v) MS (100 ml m^-2) with LDPE, (vi) MS (50 ml m^-2) with VIF, (vii) MS (100 ml m^-2) with VIF. Results indicated that Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium spp. were the major fungal pathogens isolated from the crown of dead or dying plants in both cropping seasons. MS treatment (100 ml m^-2) through the drip irrigation system under LDPE sheet or VIF reduced soilborne diseases significantly while reduced dosage of MS (50 ml m^-2) under LDPE or VIF and in combination with 2-week soil solarization controlled the soilborne diseases to a greater extent than soil solarization treatments. All treatments controlled the following weed species: Portulaca oleracea, Amaranthus spp., Poa annua, Alopecurus myosuroides, Matricaria chamomilla, Digitaria sanguinalis, Raphanus raphanistrum, Seteria verticillata, Chenopodium album, Stelleria media, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Echinochloa cruss-galli, Veronica hederifolia, Lamium amplexicaule and Silybum marianum. None of the treatments provided acceptable control of horseweed (Conyza canadensis). Metam sodium application (100 ml m^-2) significantly increased yields by 18.5% and 14.5% in the 2005/2006 and 21.6% and 18.5% in the 2006/2007 season under LDPE and VIF, respectively, while marketable fruit yield was not significantly increased by soil solarization treatments in either trial. There was no significant difference between MS applications under LDPE and VIF for the weed and disease control, and marketable fruit yield.     

A monitoring programme for 1,3-dichloropropene and metabolites in groundwater in five EU countries

BACKGROUND: 1,3 Dichloropropene (1,3-D) is a preplanting soil fumigant for the control of cyst and free-living nematodes and is currently undergoing a resubmission under Annex 1 listing of Directive 91/414/EEC. The characteristics of 1,3-D are such that the risk of it or its soil metabolites leaching through the soil profile cannot be excluded. As such, groundwater monitoring programmes were established in five EU countries representing a wide range of agricultural, climatic and hydrogeological situations, covering a range of groundwater vulnerability scenarios. All monitoring was conducted in areas where there has been historical use of 1,3-D. RESULTS: Over 5000 groundwater samples were analysed for the presence of 1,3-D and its metabolites over a 2 year period. Almost all analyses (for parent and metabolites) yielded concentrations of <0.1 microg L(-1). There were just two detections of >0.1 microg L(-1) (0.12 microg L(-1) and 0.4 microg L(-1)) for the 3-chloroacrylic acid metabolite in shallow groundwater samples of the alluvial gravels of the River Tiétar in the Caceres region of Spain. CONCLUSION: Groundwater monitoring programmes have been conducted in the EU in five countries. These have demonstrated that there is negligible contamination of groundwater with 1,3-D or its metabolites across a range of agroclimatic regions where 1,3-D is known to have been used for a number of years. Local scientific knowledge of geological features, hydrology, agricultural practice and specific local issues was essential to the conduct of the study.     

溴甲烷在草莓田的替代及减少其散发的技术

溴甲烷是一种消耗臭氧层的物质，根据《蒙特利尔议定书哥本哈根修正案》，发展中国家将于2015年淘汰。在我国溴甲烷消费量最大的地区，河北省满城县实施了中-意“溴甲烷土壤消毒替代技术及能力建设项目”。试验结果表明：威百亩和威百亩＋VIF，采用化学灌溉技术施药，是有前景的溴甲烷替代品，2001～2002年威百亩和威百亩＋VIF处理“达赛莱克特”品种的产量分别为26816kg／hm^2和23672kg／hm^2，而溴甲烷处理的产量为28346kg／hm^2；威百亩和威百亩＋VIF处理“理念”品种的产量分别为19844kg／hm^2和15989kg／hm^2而溴甲烷处理的产量为19657kg／hm^2；2002～2003年威百亩和威百亩＋VIF处理“达赛莱克特”品种的产量分别为23073kg／hm^223446kg／hm^2而溴甲烷处理的产量为25285kg／hm^2威百亩和威百亩＋VIF处理“全明星”品种的产量分别为：29594kg／hm^227677kg／hm^2而溴甲烷处理的产量为32191kg／hm^2产量结果经统计分析表明，威百亩、威百亩＋VIF与溴甲烷均无显著差异。溴甲烷＋VIF采用热法施药，其产量与溴甲烷无明显差异，但溴甲烷＋VIF能减少溴甲烷25％的用药量。太阳能消毒＋生物防治制剂的产量高于空白对照，有一定的防病增产效果，但显著低于溴甲烷处理的产量，不能作为溴甲烷的替代品。进口品种“理念”和当地主栽品种“全明星”对土传病害的抗性较差，在长势、产量方面均显著差于新引进品种“达赛莱克特”。虽然“达赛莱克特”对土传病害有一定的抗性，但与溴甲烷和威百亩处理区比较，空白对照区的产量仍显著低于药剂处理区的产量。     

黄土高原苹果园不同集水阻渗技术调控下土壤水分、矿质氮含量变化

以黄土高原苹果园果树为研究对象,分析不同集水阻渗技术调控下土壤水分、矿质氮含量的变化,探索适宜旱区果园可持续发展的防渗聚水技术。结果表明:起垄覆膜处理(Ⅰ)、防渗层处理(Ⅱ)和起垄覆膜加防渗层处理(Ⅲ)均能增加0～300 cm土层土壤含水量,减少土壤硝态氮含量。处理Ⅲ总体效果最好,能够增加9.60%土壤含水量,减少57.15%土壤硝态氮含量;处理Ⅰ使0～200 cm土层土壤含水量均匀增加7.73%,硝态氮含量均匀减少60.08%;处理Ⅱ能够增加0～40 cm表层土壤7.37%的土壤含水量,减少40～200 cm中层土壤74.38%的硝态氮含量。研究表明,不同集水阻渗技术通过改变水分的时空分布、减少硝铵态氮的淋溶从而提高水肥利用效率,其中起垄覆膜加防渗层处理结合了起垄覆膜与人工防渗层两种技术的优点,能够有效调控土壤水分运动,减少硝态氮深层淋溶,是黄土高原改善土壤水肥状况、增加果园产量、使果业可持续发展的可行技术措施。     

Effect of application timing and method on efficacy and phytotoxicity of 1,3-D, chloropicrin and metam-sodium combinations in squash plasticulture

BACKGROUND: Metam-sodium, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin are widely used soil fumigants. Combined application of metam-sodium and 1,3-D + chloropicrin is intended to improve efficacy and broaden spectrum of control, but little is known about the effect on crop safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of application timing of fumigant combinations on soilborne pest and disease control (nematodes, soil fungi and weeds) and growth of squash. Two separate tests with chisel-injected and drip-applied fumigant combinations and plant-back times ranging from 1 to 4 weeks were conducted in Tifton, GA, USA, in spring and fall 2002. RESULTS: Fumigant combinations using 1,3-D, chloropicrin and metam-sodium were as effective as methyl bromide in controlling Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood, Pythium irregulare Buis., Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and Cyperus esculentus L. Chisel-applied combinations were more effective in terms of root-knot nematode control than drip-applied combinations. Root-knot nematode reduced squash yields by up to 60%. Phytotoxicity problems and lower yields were observed during spring, especially following 1,3-D + chloropicrin and when plant-back periods were shorter. CONCLUSION: The main problem with fumigant alternatives to methyl bromide may not be reduced efficacy but, in particular for 1,3-D products, loss of flexibility in terms of longer plant-back periods.     

Higher-tier assessment of the potential for groundwater issues due to the use of 1,3-D soil fumigant; evaluation of the active ingredient, metabolites and potentially related chlorinated compounds

BACKGROUND: 1,3‐Dichloropropene (1,3‐D, CAS No. 542‐75‐6) is a broad‐spectrum soil fumigant used to control numerous species of soilborne plant‐parasitic nematodes. 1,3‐D consists of two isomers, (Z)‐ and (E)‐1,3‐D. There are a number of low‐level chlorinated compounds that could potentially be produced as a part of the 1,3‐D manufacturing process. 1,3‐D and its metabolites, as well as potentially related chlorinated compounds, represent potential groundwater contaminants. RESULTS: This study has investigated the hydrolytic stability, under biotic and abiotic conditions in the laboratory, of an extensive representative list of 1,3‐D and potentially related chlorinated compounds in order to predict their environmental fate. All of these compounds showed intrinsic hydrolytic instability under both abiotic and biotic test conditions. Furthermore, a monitoring programme was carried out. Twenty‐five wells were monitored in five Italian regions characterised by historical and existing use of 1,3‐D. The parent compound, its two major metabolites and potentially related chlorinated compounds were not detected in the well water at > 0.1 µg L^?1 at any sampling location. CONCLUSION: The soil fumigant (E,Z)‐1,3‐D, its metabolites and potentially related chlorinated compounds constitute a low risk to groundwater. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Organic amendments affecting sorption, leaching and dissipation of fungicides in soils

Metalaxyl and tricyclazole are two fungicides widely used in Spain in vineyard and rice crops respectively. In this study an investigation has been made of the effect of three organic amendments [two commercial amendments, solid fertiormont (SF) and liquid fertiormont (LF), and a residue from the olive oil production industry, alperujo (OW)] on fungicide fate in soils. Changes in soil porosity on amendment were studied by mercury intrusion porosimetry, sorption-desorption studies were performed by the batch equilibration method, dissipation of metalaxyl and tricyclazole in the soil was studied at - 33 kPa moisture content and 20 degrees C and leaching was studied in hand-packed soil columns. Amendments with SF and LF reduced soil porosity, while OW increased porosity through an increase in pore volume in the highest range studied. Tricyclazole sorbed to soils to a much higher extent than metalaxyl. With some exceptions, sorption of both fungicides increased on amendment, especially in the case of SF-amended soils, which rendered the highest K(oc) values. In soils amended with the liquid amendment LF, sorption either remained unaffected or decreased, and this decrease was much higher in the case of metalaxyl and a soil with 70% clay. In this clay soil, amendment with OW, of very high soluble organic matter content, also decreased metalaxyl sorption. Tricyclazole is more persistent in soil than metalaxyl, and both fungicides were found to be more persistent in amended soils than in unamended soils. Leaching of metalaxyl and tricyclazole in soil columns was inversely related to sorption capacity. The low recoveries of tricyclazole in leachates and in soil columns when compared with metalaxyl, a less persistent fungicide, were attributed to diffusion into micropores and to increase in sorption with residence time in the soil, both processes favoured by the low mobility of tricyclazole.     

秸秆覆盖对农田黑土春季地温的影响

通过黑土区田间长期定位试验,研究了秸秆覆盖度对太阳反射和土壤含水量的影响,进而探讨了其对土壤温度的调控作用。在作物出苗前,秸秆覆盖度免耕(覆盖度70%)>少耕(覆盖度10%)>旋松(覆盖度0%)。研究结果表明:免耕、少耕和旋松的累计反射强度依次递减,反射辐射强度越大土壤温度越低;免耕具有较高的质量含水量,质量含水量均与地温存在显著的负相关关系。     

Effect of conditions during storage of infested soil on infection of bait plants by Polymyxa betae and beet necrotic yellow vein virus

Infectivity of resting spores ofPolymyxa betae in soil stored air-dry or moist was determined by assessing infection of bait plants that were exposed to the soil. Storage of soil under air-dry conditions at room temperature resulted in a delayed onset of germination of resting spores compared to germination in soil stored under moist and cool conditions, as inferred from the infection of the bait plants. Bait plants had to be exposed for more than 12 h to flooded infested soil before germination and infection had occurred. However, when soil was prewetted for 24 h before exposing bait plants, germination, infection and transmission of beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) were accomplished within 12 h, but only with the moistly stored soil. When resting spores isolated from roots were stored for 4 and 8 weeks under dry conditions at 22°C, germination of viruliferous spores, as measured by detection of BNYVV in bait plants exposed for 48 h to the spores, was less than that of spores stored in moist soil at 22°C. Approximately 100% of bait plants were infected after exposure to resting spores that were frozen in demineralized water or stored cool (5°C) in water or moist soil for 42 weeks. Air-dry cool storage for 42 weeks resulted in a low percentage of infection. Storage conditions of soil influence the results of bioassays for detection of rhizomania when short baiting periods are applied, whereas differences in infectivity were not detected using a bioassay with long duration.     

The effect of soil aggregate size and water content on herbicide concentration in soil water

Suspensions of wettable powders of metribuzin and simazine were sprayed onto samples of two soils of two particle size grades, > 2.5 mm and <0.5 mm. The soils were either air-dry or at a water content of 12%. After either 1 h or 1 week, water was added to give a soil to water ratio of 1:1. Samples of solution were analysed after 1, 24 and 48 h. With metribuzin the intial concentration for both soils after wetting was greater from the >2.5 mm samples than the <0.5 mm samples, following application to dry soil, but by 48 h the differences were negligible. With simazine WRO soil did not show this effect at all and with Kirton soil only small differences were seen. If the soil was wet at the time of application, particle size had no effect except with simazine in Kirton soil. Generally metribuzin concentrations were higher after application to wet than to dry soils for at least 24 h after wetting whereas simazine concentrations were higher from initially dry soils and the differences had virtually disappeared 24 h after wetting. With the WRO soil herbicide concentrations in soil water were higher if the soil was wetted 1 h after spraying than if left for 1 week but the differences rarely persisted for 48 h. No such trend was observed with Kirton soil. It is concluded that the differences observed in these experiments could be responsible for variations in the performance of soil-applied herbicides.