Comparison of Pesticide Root Zone Model Predictions with Observed Concentrations for the Tobacco Pesticide Metalaxyl in Unsaturated Zone Soils

摘要

The pesticide root zone model (PRZM) was developed to evaluate pesticide leaching threats to ground water for different crops under varying climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and cropping practices. In the study, PRZM was evaluated to establish its predictive capability by comparing observed metalaxyl concentration profiles with predicted concentration profiles using field-averaged pesticide data and best estimates for several hydrologic characteristics and pesticide and pesticide transport properties at field sites in Florida and Maryland. Coefficients of determination for the Florida site at 26, 55 and 85 d after application of 0.33, 0.90 and 0.95, respectively, were obtained when field observations were regressed against model predictions.