Mineralization, volatilization, and degradation of carbofuran in soil samples from Kenya

Carbofuran is used in Kenya to protect rice crops from insects and mites. A soil sample from Kenya's Kano plains was taken and dried before simulating flooding in half the samples by addition of water. A mixture of nonlabeled and radiolabeled carbofuran was added, and organic volatiles were trapped during a 33-day incubation in the laboratory at ambient temperatures. Nonflooded soil had a slightly higher rate of mineralization than flooded soils, but volatilization and degradation were greater in flooded soil. The main route of carbofuran dissipation was by volatilization.