Estimating the Relative Leaching Potential of Herbicides in Alberta Soils

摘要

Our objective was to use a simple screening model to predict the relative leaching of herbicides in Alberta soils to allow producers the option of choosing herbicides with lower leaching potential. Physical properties for each heribicide were obtained form the literature and the Laskowski model was used to calculate the leaching potential (LP) of hte herbicides. Relative LP rankings (LPR) were then created by ranking herbicide LP values on a 1 to 9 scale (1=no leaching; 9=high leaching). The leaching rates of nine herbicides (2, 4-D, dicamba, MCPA, diclofop, quinclorac, bromoxynil, fenoxaprop, triallate and trifluralin) were then determined on soils form the five major soil zones of Alberta (Brown, Dark Brown, Grey, Dark Grey and Black) using small packed soil columns. Eluate fractions were analyzed using a MSD-GC method.