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Title: CONSTRUCTION OF A SURFACE REACTIVE BARRIER TO REDUCE SOIL FUMIGANT EMISSIONS

Author
item ZHENG, W - UC RIVERSIDE, CA
item Yates, Scott
item GUO, M - UC RIVERSIDE, CA

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/20/2003
Publication Date: 9/20/2003
Citation: Zheng, W., Yates, S.R., Guo, M.X. 2003. Construction of a surface reactive barrier to reduce soil fumigant emissions. Abstract. American Chemical Society Abstracts, CD-ROM. "No References Available."

Interpretive Summary: Fumigants have been used extensively to control plant pathogens in many economically important crops. Atmospheric emission is a major problem associated with the use of fumigants and many management practices have been proposed to reduce emissions. We have developed an innovative technology, a "reactive surface barrier" (RSB), to reduce fumigant emissions from the soil surface; a concept that has been demonstrated in laboratory and field studies. A RSB consists of a thin layer of agrochemicals placed at the soil surface. Fumigant vapors are intercepted by the RSB and are rapidly degraded, significantly reducing emissions. We found that several agrochemicals are effective at accelerating the rate of fumigant degradation in soil. The results indicate that using agrochemical amendments to control fumigant volatilization losses favors environmental protection, simplifies pre-plant field preparation, and may reduce fumigation costs by eliminating the need for, and disposal of, tarp material.

Technical Abstract: Fumigants have been used extensively to control plant pathogens in many economically important crops. Atmospheric emission is a major problem associated with the use of fumigants and many management practices have been proposed to reduce emissions. We have developed an innovative technology, a "reactive surface barrier" (RSB), to reduce fumigant emissions from the soil surface; a concept that has been demonstrated in laboratory and field studies. A RSB consists of a thin layer of agrochemicals placed at the soil surface. Fumigant vapors are intercepted by the RSB and are rapidly degraded, significantly reducing emissions. We found that several agrochemicals are effective at accelerating the rate of fumigant degradation in soil. The results indicate that using agrochemical amendments to control fumigant volatilization losses favors environmental protection, simplifies pre-plant field preparation, and may reduce fumigation costs by eliminating the need for, and disposal of, tarp material.