The distribution and dissipation of herbicides on soils are dynamic and unique processes for each soil-herbicide relation. In this research, the half-life of diuron was determined in five soils (Red-Yellow Latosol, Red Latosol, and Yellow Latosol), with different pH values. Diuron concentrations were determined in samples of each soil collected at eight different times (1, 8, 15, 22, 36, 66, 96 and 156 days after herbicide application at 3.0kg ha-1). Part of each soil sample was used to quantify diuron by high performance liquid chromatography. The other part of soil sample was used to do biological tests in order to confirm the results of chromatographic analysis. It was found that the persistence of diuron is dependent on the physical and chemical soil attributes. However, the correction of soil pH favored only herbicide degradation in sandy soils with low organic matter content. The half-life of diuron in soils ranged from 40 to 91 after its application and it was higher in soil with higher organic matter content. The biological tests confirmed these results and they were efficient and complementary to the chromatographic analysis.
persistence; non-ionic herbicides; bioassay; chromatography; latosols
