DEGRADATION OF HERBICIDE IN THE SOIL

Degradation of herbicides in soil is occurred by a rather complex process. This degradation is depend upon soil structure, chemical structure of herbicide and climatic conditions. Destruction of the herbicide in the soil are classified in 2 groups as biological decomposition and abiotic decomposition. Biological decomposition happen in two forms: Plant uptake and microbial decomposition. Abiotic decomposition is composed of volatilization, photodecomposition, soil adsorption, leaching and chemical decomposition. Degradation of herbicides in the soil with plant uptake, volatilization and photodecomposition is only limited with a few herbicides. Destruction of herbicides with microbial decomposition, soil adsorption, leaching and chemical decomposition is the more important. Dissolved herbicide molecules on the soil surface can runoff from soil surface in the event of heavy rain.