Mobility of metsulfuron-methyl in tropical soils

The mobility of metsulfuron-methyl in 5 soil series with different organic contents was determined in a greenhouse as well as under natural conditions. In these studies, the movement and biological activity of metsulfuron-methyl were determined by the bioassay method using long bean as a bioassay species. Bioactivity and movement of the herbicide down the soil profile were inversely related to the organic matter content of the soil. Phytotoxic levels of metsulfuron-methyl were restricted to the 10-cm depth of the column containing Selangor Series soil except when it received 40 mL of water daily (depth, 10–15 cm). In Munchung Series, the phytotoxic level was also mainly in the 5–10 cm layer. However, when the column received 40 mL daily or every 4 days, the residue was detected in 15–20 cm and 10–15 cm zones, respectively. The phytotoxic level moved downward to the 20–25 cm layer both in Sogomana and Holyrood Series when 40 mL of water was given daily. A phytotoxic level of metsulfuron herbicide was detected in the 20–25 cm layer when the soil column containing Serdang Series was leached with 40 mL of water every 4 days or with 20 mL daily; the phytotoxic level was detected at a depth of 25–30 cm when this soil was watered daily with 40 mL. The downward movement of metsulfuron under natural conditions showed a pattern similar to that found under simulated conditions. Phytotoxic effects of the residue could be detected in the 25–30 cm and 15–20 cm zone of Serdang and Holyrood Series, respectively, after exposure to 20 days of rainfall (total 111·9 mm). Phytotoxic residue in both Sogomana and Munchung Series soil was detected in the 10–15 cm layer, and in the 5–10 cm layer for Selangor Series soil, after exposure to 20 days of rainfall. After exposure to 40 days of rainfall (total 152·8 mm) under natural conditions, the residue could be detected in the 15–20 cm layer of Selangor Series. The phytotoxic level moved deeper in soil with low organic matter after exposure to 40 days of rainfall. Fresh weight reduction was greater in the 20–30 cm layer in Serdang Series than in the top layer.