The determination of the influence of environmental conditions on the fate of soil spray herbicides plays an important role in their efficiency in agriculture and for the understanding of the environmental impact caused by these chemical products. Soil drainage may influence the mobility, transport, surface movement and infiltration of pesticides through the soil profile and consequently their presence in groundwater. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to ascertain the effect of a soil drainage system on the surface and lateral movements, leaching and groundwater contamination by the herbicide trifluralin sprayed in pre-emergence conditions, for a corn crop. The results from residuals on soil surface, in the depth of 0-15 cm and in groundwater allowed the major conclusion that subsurface drainage reduces movement and leaching of the herbicide, decreasing risks of environmental contamination.
drainage; herbicide; trifluralin; environment