Dimethenamid Persistence and Leaching Potential in a Soilless Mix1

Abstract

Abstract Dimethenamid and the granular combination product pendimethalin plus dimethenamid are herbicides registered for use in nursery production and landscape maintenance. The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare the effectiveness of sprayed dimethenamid and the granular combination of pendimethalin plus dimethenamid in container nursery production, (2) to determine the impact of formulation on leaching of dimethenamid in soilless media versus field soil and (3) to determine the influence of irrigation volume on herbicide leaching. Dimethenamid is less mobile in pine bark than field soil, while pendimethalin is more mobile in pine bark. The leaching profile for the granular pendimethalin plus dimethenamid combination product was similar to dimethenamid in field soil and similar to pendimethalin in pine bark. There was no significant difference in herbicide movement in pine bark or field soil after doubling the irrigation volume from 17.8 cm (7 in) to 35.6 cm (14 in). Compared to pendimethalin, dimethenamid leaches less in pine bark, explaining its greater effectiveness for weed control in container production. Index words: Herbicide leaching, soilless mix, pine bark, ornamentals, adsorption. Species used in this study: southern crabgrass [Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koel.]; spotted spurge [Chamaesyce maculata (L.) Small]. Chemicals used in this study: dimethenamid (Tower); dimethenamid plus pendimethalin (FreeHand); pendimethalin (Pendulum 2G).