Effect of Soil Moisture and Irrigation on Propargyl Bromide Volatilization and Movement in Soil

Abstract

Propargyl bromide (3-bromo-propyne, 3BP) is a potential replacement for the soil fumigant methyl bromide. Since little is known about its movement in soil, a study was conducted to compare the volatilization and movement of 3BP in the soil profile for different irrigation treatments. A rectangular soil column was used to simulate a bed–furrow system. The surface of the bed was covered with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic (i.e., a tarp). The furrow was left uncovered. Multiple volatilization chambers were used to measure emissions from the furrows, the slopes of the bed, and the bed. The soil was fumigated by injecting 1.0 mL of 3BP to the center of the column. Three treatments were studied, no irrigation, a single 5-h surface irrigation 24 h after fumigation, and a 2-h daily surface irrigation. Volatilization was about three times greater from nonirrigated soil. Irrigation and higher initial soil moisture content were more effective in controlling 3BP volatilization than the use of a HDPE tarp. Volatilization and degradation were similar for both irrigation treatments, but the 2-h irrigation had the advantage of requiring one-third less water. Volatilization rates from the slopes of the bed were lower than from the bed surface. To obtain accurate total mass, volatilization chambers should cover the whole bed–furrow system. Short advective gas and liquid fluxes created by the irrigation had pronounced and prolonged effect on 3BP distribution and degradation. Henry9s Law could not be used to predict the 3BP distribution pattern in the liquid phase even long after the irrigation ceased.