Atrazine Dissipation as Affected by Surface pH and Tillage

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Abstract
Field studies and laboratory analyses were conducted to examine factors affecting degradation of 14C-atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamine)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine] under field conditions. The effects of these factors on weed control under no-tillage and conventional tillage systems were also examined. The amount of radioactivity which was unextractable in 90% methanol increased with time following treatment with 14C-atrazine. The rate of formation of unextractable 14C compounds was greater under no-tillage and increased with decreasing pH. After 14 to 18 days, a greater amount of extractable atrazine was present in areas receiving lime. The degradation of atrazine occurred more rapidly when surface pH was less than 5.0 compared with a pH greater than 6.5. The effect of lime on the amount of parent atrazine present in the soil was directly correlated to its effect on soil pH. Extractable atrazine in the soil 45 days after treatment was significantly correlated with weed control with the greatest effect under no-tillage.