Role of soil physicochemical properties in quantifying the fate of diuron, hexazinone, and metribuzin

Abstract

The physicochemical properties of soil are fundamental to quantification of the fate of herbicides. Thus, the aim of this research was to evaluate the fate of diuron, hexazinone, and metribuzin in five soils (Clay-1, Clay-2, Loam-1, Loam-2, and Sand), presenting variation in clay content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, and organic carbon (OC). Herbicides radiolabeled with ¹⁴C were applied, and the ¹⁴C–CO₂ released from mineralization was trapped in 0.2 mol L⁻¹ sodium hydroxide solution. The degradation ratio, as well as herbicide-bound residues (non-extractable), transformation products, and residues extractable from soil, was also evaluated. Average ¹⁴C–CO₂ evolution accumulated for diuron mineralization was higher (22.24%) than hexazinone (7.73%) and metribuzin (3.20%). The degradation time half-life (DT50) values for hexazinone correlated with soil OC content. Although no correlation between soil properties and DT50 values was found for metribuzin, the degradation rate and total degree of mineralization were low in sand soil for metribuzin. Regarding diuron, OC content and CEC value appear to be related to mineralization and degradation rate, respectively. Differences in soil properties can influence the persistence and fate of herbicides, affecting their impact on the environment, weed control, and possible effects on subsequent crops.