Trifluralin Interactions with Soil Constituents

Abstract

Concentrations ofα,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) causing 50% growth reduction (hereinafter referred to as GR50) were determined in nutrient culture and 64 simulated soils using foxtail millet (Setaria italica(L.) Beau.) as an indicator species. The relative order of effectiveness of soil components in reducing trifluralin phytotoxicity was steamed organic matter ≫ organic matter ≫ steamed montomorillonite ≥ steamed kaolinite ≃ kaolinite ≃ montmorillonite. Steaming the organic matter more than doubled the anion exchange capacity. Anion exchange capacity was a better parameter than cation exchange capacity for assessing the potential of an adsorbent to reduce phytotoxicity. Surface area, cation exchange capacity, and adsorption of trifluralin from solution were less reliable indices. The effectiveness of organic matter in reducing phytotoxicity may be due to the exchange capacity and high surface area. Montomorillonite apparently interacted synergistically with other adsorbents to reduce phytotoxicity. Trifluralin did not adsorb on the internal surfaces of montmorillonite as judged by surface area comparisons and X-ray diffraction determinations. Increasing moisture content appeared to block the active sites of trifluralin adsorption. This may be concluded from greater vapor movement and decreased adsorption from a xylene solvent system for moist compared to air dry soils.