Fumigant persistence and emission from soil under multiple field application scenarios

• Published in: Crop protection 2013-01, Vol.43, p.94-103
• Main Authors: Chellemi, Dan O., Mirusso, John, Ajwa, Husein A., Sullivan, David A., Unruh, J. Bryan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural practices; application methods; cost effectiveness; crops; disinfestation; disturbed soils; environmental impact; field experimentation; Fumigant emissions; fumigants; good agricultural practices; human health; Low disturbance technology; plastics; polyethylene; risk; Soil fumigation; tillage; vapors; Virtually impermeable film
• ISSN: 0261-2194; 1873-6904
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2012.09.012

Chemical fumigants are routinely used for soil disinfestation of high value crops. Good agricultural practices (GAPs) are needed to reduce their human health risks, environmental impacts, and improve their cost-effectiveness. This study investigated the effect of fumigant application methods on soil persistence and emission of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin (CP). Field experiments were conducted to measure the individual and combined effects of pre-application tillage practices, fumigant application technology, and plastic films on 1,3-D soil concentrations to obtain a numerical index (CT value) to estimate their potential for pest control efficacy and to compare soil persistence, atmospheric flux rate, and cumulative emission of CP and 1,3-D under two diverse application scenarios. Greater 1,3-D soil vapor concentrations were observed by combining a pre-application soil seal with low soil disturbance application technology when compared to pre-application soil tillage and the use of back-swept application shanks. Under high density polyethylene plastic, the low disturbance scenario resulted in time weighted exposure concentration (CT) values ranging from 6.8 to 12.2 μg h cm−3 of soil as compared to CT values ranging from 2.9 to 5.4 μg h cm−3 under the conventional application scenario. Cumulative atmospheric emission of 1,3-D was decreased by 18% under the low disturbance scenario and atmospheric emission of CP by 21% when compared to a conventional application scenario. This study identified GAPs that can be readily implemented in the field to reduce the human and environmental impacts of soil fumigants and improve their cost-effectiveness under solid-tarp (broadcast) applications. ► Low disturbance technology increased fumigant exposure concentrations (CT) in soil. ► Effective CT thresholds for control of citrus nematode were obtained. ► Atmospheric emission of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin was reduced. ► Maximum flux rates of chloropicrin were reduced from 32.5 to 19.9 μg m−2 s−1.