Modelling the mineralization kinetics for low concentrations of pesticides in surface and subsurface soil

A number of mathematical models were fitted to mineralization results of low concentrations (004–0.08 μg·g−1) of mecoprop, bentazon and ethylene thiourea (ETU) in surface (ploughed layer) and subsurface soil in different soil types and at different temperatures. It was shown that surface soil kinetics generally could be described with models not including growth of microorganisms and subsurface soil kinetics could best be described with models taking the growth of microorganisms in account. We recommend the use of such kinetic models when pesticide fate in soil is to be predicted.