Leaching of Glyphosate and AMPA from Field Lysimeters

Leaching of glyphosate and AMPA as affected by the time elapsed between the spraying and first leaching event was studied on large-scale lysimeters in a two-year study. The leaching events were induced by irrigation interventions able to deliver 336 L, equivalent to a rainfall of 40 mm. Four groups of three lysimeters were randomly selected between the 12 lysimeters available. They were irrigated on either one day after herbicide treatment (1 DAT), 7 DAT, 14 DAT or 28 DAT. The same group of lysimeters were irrigated a second time 14 days after the first irrigation, corresponding to a period of time of 15 DAT (1 + 14), 21 DAT (7 + 14), 28 DAT (14 + 14) and 42 DAT (28 + 14). In both years, lysimeters were sprayed with glyphosate (360 L ha(-1)) at a rate of 12 L ha(-)(1), the maximum field rate allowed on the label. Our results pointed out that the leaching of glyphosate and AMPA is effectively event-driven and highlighted the importance of the first rainfall event in moving glyphosate through the soil, increasing the potential risk of water contamination. Overall, both chemicals showed a risk of water contamination. Glyphosate may persist more than usually considered, and its residues were found in leached waters from lysimeters treated 30 days before the leaching event. Other factors may affect the movement of these two compounds through the soil profile after spraying: temperature pattern and soil moisture. Finally, the results of this study refer to a very high application rate of glyphosate. Hence, at lower field rates, observed concentrations can likely be minor.

Automated summary

The leaching of glyphosate and AMPA is affected by the time elapsed between spraying and the first rainfall event. The first rainfall event plays a crucial role in moving glyphosate through the soil, increasing the risk of water contamination. Glyphosate residues can persist longer than expected and may impact the movement of other compounds in the soil profile.