Enhanced Soil Degradation of Butylate and EPTC in Nebraska Fields

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Abstract
A survey to determine the frequency and weed control impact of enhanced degradation of butylate or EPTC in field soils receiving repeat applications of these herbicides was conducted in a sugarbeet and three corn growing areas of Nebraska. All seven of the sugarbeet field soils exhibited enhanced EPTC degradation. In the corn areas, none of the 13 north central and southeast field soils displayed accelerated degradation; however, 10 of the 16 south central field soils did. In south central Nebraska, 60% and 45% of the surveyed growers were dissatisfied with weed control from butylate or EPTC in 1983 and 1984, respectively, compared to 24% and none in other survey areas. Enhanced herbicide degradation and the presence of shattercane were the main reasons for the disparity among areas.