Leaching of Fluometuron and Diuron in a Vega Alta Soil

Abstract

Leaching of Diuron and Fluometuron in field lysimeters was conducted during 1971 and 1972. Diuron and Fluometuron in low concentrations were found to leach to a maximum depth of 36 inches. The highest concentrations of both herbicides were detected in water samples taken 1 week after herbicide application. The greatest quantity of Diuron lost from leaching occurred during the first week of its application; Fluometuron in the second week. The leaching loss of Diuron was no longer detectable 16 weeks after application; Fluometuron, 20 weeks. The leaching loss of Diuron and Fluometuron was estimated to be 3.6 and 5.5 percent, respectively, of the total application.