Volatility and Photodecomposition of Trifluralin, Benefin, and Nitralin

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Abstract
Vapor losses of trifluralin (α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine), benefin (N-butyl-N-ethyl-α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-p-toluidine), and nitralin [4-(methylsulfonyl)-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropylaniline] were studied under controlled laboratory conditions using a Florisil vapor trap. No nitralin vapor losses were detected at 50 C from a Lakeland loamy sand at field capacity with an air flow rate of 0.04 m3/hr for 3 hr; whereas, 24.5% and 12.5% of trifluralin and benefin, respectively, were lost as vapors. Volatility of trifluralin and benefin increased with increasing temperatures of 30, 40, and 50 C and increasing soil moisture from air dryness to field capacity. Vapor losses from granular benefin were similar to the spray applications at 30 and 40 C. Volatilization of granular trifluralin was reduced when compared to the spray application at 40 C and 30 C but was similar for both formulations for benefin. No significant losses from photodecomposition were noted for trifluralin, benefin, or nitralin when comparing radiated and unradiated soil surface treated samples.