Tillage and fallow period management effects on the fate of the herbicide isoxaflutole in an irrigated continuous-maize field

Published source details Alletto L., Benoit P., Justes E. & Coquet Y. (2012) Tillage and fallow period management effects on the fate of the herbicide isoxaflutole in an irrigated continuous-maize field. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 153, 40-49.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Water: Use reduced tillage in arable fields Action Link
	Water: Grow cover crops in arable fields Action Link

Water: Use reduced tillage in arable fields

A replicated, controlled study in 2004–2008 in an irrigated maize field in the Garonne River corridor, in southern France (same study as (7)) found that less herbicide was leached from soils with reduced tillage, compared to conventional tillage. Pathogens and pesticides: Less herbicide was leached from soils with reduced tillage, compared to conventional tillage (10 vs 15% of applied herbicide). Methods: Conventional tillage or reduced tillage was used on two plots each (20 x 50 m plots). A mouldboard plough (28–30 cm depth) and a cultivator (8 cm depth, 1–2 passes) were used for conventional tillage, in April–May. A cultivator (7–9 cm depth) and a disc harrow (8–12 cm depth) were used for reduced tillage, in March–April. The herbicide (75 g/L Isoxaflutole) was sprayed 1–3 days after the maize was sown, in April–May 2005–2008. Herbicide leaching was measured in drainage water, with fiberglass-wick lysimeters (40 cm depth, two lysimeters/plot, 11–21 samples/year, 6–272 days after treatment with herbicide). A centre-pivot sprinkler was used for irrigation (650–736 mm water/year, irrigation plus rainfall).
Water: Grow cover crops in arable fields

A replicated, controlled study in 2004–2008 in an irrigated maize field in the Garonne River corridor, in southern France (same study as (12)), found that less herbicide was leached from plots with winter cover crops, compared to plots with bare soil. Pathogens and pesticides: Less herbicide was leached from plots with winter cover crops, compared to plots with bare soil (9% vs 16% of applied herbicide). Methods: Winter cover crops (2006–2007: white mustard; 2004–2006 and 2007–2008: oats) were grown on two plots, and bare soil was maintained in two plots. The plots were 20 x 50 m. The herbicide (75 g/L Isoxaflutole) was sprayed 1–3 days after the maize was sown, in April–May 2005–2008. Herbicide leaching was measured in drainage water, with fiberglass-wick lysimeters (40 cm depth, two lysimeters/plot, 11–21 samples/year, 6–272 days after treatment with herbicide). A centre-pivot sprinkler was used for irrigation (650–736 mm water/year, irrigation plus rainfall).