Dégradation de l'isoproturon et disponibilité de ses résidus dans le sol

Degradation if isoproturon and availability of residues in soil The availability and degradation of ¹⁴C-ring-labelled isoproturon in soil was investigated over 140 days under controlled laboratory conditions. Degradation of the active ingredient followed and 65 days later only a minor fraction (0.6%) of the parent molecule remained extractable. A demethylated-isoproturon metabolite was detectable in soil from day 15 (2.6%). The amount of ¹⁴CO₂ derived from the ¹⁴C benzene ring label and liberated over time indicated that a total of 13.6% isoproturon was mineralized during the incubation period. In parallel, the amount of ¹⁴C residue extracted from the soil by water followed by methanol or remaining within the soil—analysed by combustion—was also determined at intervals. After 140 days, 72% of the radiolabel added remained in the soil as non-extractable residue. The degradation half-life of extractable isoproturon was an estimated 14 days.