The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of picloram leaching in areas used as pastures in Brazil (Red-Yellow Latosol, with two distinct pH levels and Red-Yellow Ultisol). Thus, soil samples were collected from 0 to 20 cm depth, and incubated or not with limestone for 70 days and used as substrates to fill PVC columns of 10 cm diameter by 50 cm depth. The work was composed of one trial installed in split-split-plot and completely randomized design, with four replications. One dose of the herbicide picloram (160 g ha-1), three intensities of rain (40, 80 and 120 mm), three soil types and 10 depths (development of indicative plants on substrates of the columns at 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-45 and 45-50 cm depths) were evaluated. After being prepared, the columns were wetted and placed upright for drainage of the exceeding water. After this period, the herbicide was applied on the top of the columns, and 12 hours later, the simulated rains were performed, according to the proposed treatments. The columns remained upright for the next 72 hours for drainage and herbicide leaching. After this period, the columns were opened at the longest side and placed in the horizontal position, being the indicator species (Cucumis sativus) sown in the substrate along the opening in order to evaluate picloram leaching for the soils studied. It was concluded that picloram showed high leaching rate in all soils, and that its movements in the soil profile were influenced by the amount of simulated rain, soil pH and also by other soil characteristics, possibly by organic matter content. The soil with low organic matter content and higher pH presented the highest rate of picloram leaching when applied to the soil surface.
movement; herbicide; soil characteristics; pastures
