Movement of Atrazine and Nitrate in Sharkey Clay Soil: Evidence of Preferential Flow (Bulletin #846)

D. C. Johnson, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
H. M. Selim, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
L. Ma, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
L. M. Southwick, USDA, Agricultural Research Service
G. H. Willis, USDA, Agricultural Research Service

Description

Incidence of groundwater contamination by agrichemicals in the United States and elsewhere is of concern in terms of the health effects associated with chemical contaminants present in drinking water. The major objectives of this study were: (1) to quantify the mobility of atrazine and nitrates in a Sharkey clay soil in the presence of a shallow water table, and (2) to determine evidence of preferential flow patterns on the mobility of agricultural chemicals in such soils.