A comparison of the activity of herbicides in peat and mineral soils

Abstract

Abstract Field experiments over a 2-year period studied the phytotoxicity and persistence of alachlor, atrazine, linuron, terbacil, and trifluralin in peat and mineral soils, using soya beans and oats as indicator plants. An acceptable level of weed control on the peat was obtained only from alachlor and linuron, although rates higher than those recommended were required for both herbicides. The effective rates depended on the crop in which weeds were to be controlled. No detectable residues of alachlor, atrazine, or linuron were present in either soil at the end of the cropping season, approximately 6 months after herbicide application, Terbacil and trifluralin persisted in phytotoxic amounts in both soils at the end of the cropping season, although toxic residues in peat were found only with the highest rates of application.