Atrazine persistence in soil and transport in surface and subsurface runoff from plots in the coastal plain of the southern united states

Abstract

This study evaluated the persistence of atrazine in the soil and movement in surface runoff and shallow phreatic flow. Atrazine persisted in the surface 10 cm of soil for over 4 months. However, it could not be detected at greater depths after approximately 2 months. Persistence (time) in the soil did not vary significantly with application rate. Initial concentrations in the soil did, however, vary significantly. Initial atrazine concentrations in the soil for the 4.48 kg ha⁻¹ application rate were approximately twice those at the 2.24 kg ha⁻¹ rate. Atrazine was not detected in significant amounts in surface runoff after 26 days and was not observed at any time in the subsurface flow from the treated area. Total losses for the 2 rates in 1974 and 1975 ranged from 0.22–2.24%. Concentrations in the soil and surface runoff were directly related to application rates.