Nitralin and Trifluralin Persistence in Soil

Abstract

Analysis of soil samples taken periodically from field plots on Dundee silty clay loam treated with single or dual annual applications of 4-(methylsulfonyl)-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropylaniline (nitralin) or α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) at 0.84 or 1.68 kg/ha indicated dissipation of the herbicides to a low residual level within 3 to 4 months following each application. No accumulation was noted with either herbicide regardless of frequency or rate of application. Nitralin phytotoxicity to sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL. ‘Dekalb 57E’) decreased more rapidly in soil that had received prior treatment with nitralin than in soil with no previous treatment. A microbiological influence is suggested because this effect was nullified by autoclaving the soil prior to herbicide treatment. This effect was not apparent with trifluralin. A survey of 250 fields indicated a significant, inverse correlation between nitralin and trifluralin residue level and soil pH. Nitralin persistence was greater in acid than in neutral soil.