Abstract
This study investigated the leaching potential of diuron and linuron in different soil types in Gaza Strip, Palestine under laboratory and field conditions. Leaching potential was evaluated by tin columns and bioassay technique using Molokhia as test plant. The responses of the test plant were regressed versus concentrations of the herbicide to estimate linear regression equation and the regression coefficient. The obtained results indicate strong positive association between Molokhia and concentrations of diuron or linuron; accordingly it was used in the bioassay and estimation of the concentrations of the tested herbicides in the leaching depth. Leaching potential was very low in North Gaza and Kkan Younis soil, whereas in the Meddle zone soil was very large. Leaching potential under laboratory conditions was larger that under field conditions. The bioestimated concentrations in soil layer under field conditions were sever folds of magnitude lower than those under laboratory conditions. The interesting outcome of this study is that leaching potential is dependent on soil clay fraction, soil organic matter, and soil pH. These results provided answers to the questions raised by farmers in Gaza Strip.
Highlights
Leaching and distribution of herbicides in soil are necessary to achieve proper weed control and to suppress the growth of unwanted plants in the top soil layer (0 - 10 cm)
From bioestimation of the remaining concentrations at laboratory conditions, one can be concluded that leaching potential of diuron and/or linuron was the lowest in North Gaza soil followed by Khan Younis soil, the larger leaching zone was observed in Meddle zone soil (Table 4)
This study describes the leaching potential of linuron and diuron in selected soil from Gaza Strip and provides information on the distribution of diuron and linuron concentrations in soil profile
Summary
Leaching and distribution of herbicides in soil are necessary to achieve proper weed control and to suppress the growth of unwanted plants in the top soil layer (0 - 10 cm). Movement of herbicides below the root zone may result in loss of herbicidal activity and create problems to plants in the growth season and con-. (2014) Leaching Potential of Diuron and Linuron in Gaza Soils. Number of studies from Gaza Strip [1]-[6], Europe [7]-[22] Japan [23] and the United States [24]-[27] reported ground water contamination by diuron and/or linuron. Farmers from Gaza Strip, Palestine claimed losses of herbicidal activity of diuron or linuron and reduction of plant growth following their application. The authors designed this study to investigate the leaching potential of diuron and linuron in different soil types in Gaza Strip and to test the biological responses of different plants to provide answers to the farmers
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