Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid contents in field crops soils under various weed management practices

Abstract

To avoid yield loss in field crops associated with glyphosate-resistant weed and changes in their population dynamics, repeated applications of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) and combination with other herbicides are weed management practices (WMP) increasingly used worldwide, and particularly so in southern Quebec (Canada). These practices affect soil biological activity as well as soil functions but could also influence glyphosate and its main degradation product, the aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), persistence. This study was conducted in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] field crops to evaluate the effects of single vs. repeated GBH applications, with or without the addition of other herbicides, on glyphosate and AMPA persistence in soils throughout a growing season. In corn plots, the highest glyphosate content (0.11 mg kg–1) was observed following two GBH applications combined with other herbicides (i.a. S-metolachlor and mesotrione). In soybean plots, the highest glyphosate content (0.18 mg kg–1) was also measured following two GBH applications combined with other herbicides (i.a. imazethapyr and chlorimuron). AMPA contents in corn plots soils were similar whatever WMP employed, whereas differences were observed in soybean plots according to the WMP. Soybean plots thus seemed more responsive to variation in weed management practices than corn plots. This study highlights the persistence of glyphosate and AMPA in agricultural soils at least 8 wk after the last GBH application.