Influence of Soil Temperature and Moisture on Terbutryn Activity and Persistence

The phytotoxicity of soil-applied terbutryn [2-(tert-butylamino)-4-(ethylamino)-6-(methylthio)-s-triazine] to wheat (Triticum aestivum Vill.) was significantly affected by soil moisture and soil temperature. Distribution coefficients (Kd) provided a better indication of the phytotoxicity of terbutryn to wheat than any single measured parameter contributing to herbicide adsorption by the soil. Soil temperatures and soil moisture levels suitable for good plant growth tended to enhance the phytotoxicity of terbutryn. No phytotoxic levels of terbutryn to wheat were detected in Teller sandy loam after 20 weeks of incubation at above 10C and 14% soil moisture by weight. However, phytotoxicity to wheat was observed in air-dry terbutryntreated soil after an incubation period of 20 weeks, regardless of incubation temperature. Significant quantities of terbutryn may remain in the field under dry soil conditions.