Study

Tillage and fallow period management effects on the fate of the herbicide isoxaflutole in an irrigated continuous-maize field

  • Published source details Alletto L., Benoit P., Justes E. & Coquet Y. (2012) Tillage and fallow period management effects on the fate of the herbicide isoxaflutole in an irrigated continuous-maize field. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 153, 40-49.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Water: Use reduced tillage in arable fields

Action Link
Mediterranean Farmland

Water: Grow cover crops in arable fields

Action Link
Mediterranean Farmland
  1. Water: Use reduced tillage in arable fields

    A replicated, controlled study in 2004–2008 in an irrigated maize field in the Garonne River corridor, in southern France (same study as (7)) found that less herbicide was leached from soils with reduced tillage, compared to conventional tillage. Pathogens and pesticides: Less herbicide was leached from soils with reduced tillage, compared to conventional tillage (10 vs 15% of applied herbicide). Methods: Conventional tillage or reduced tillage was used on two plots each (20 x 50 m plots). A mouldboard plough (28–30 cm depth) and a cultivator (8 cm depth, 1–2 passes) were used for conventional tillage, in April–May. A cultivator (7–9 cm depth) and a disc harrow (8–12 cm depth) were used for reduced tillage, in March–April. The herbicide (75 g/L Isoxaflutole) was sprayed 1–3 days after the maize was sown, in April–May 2005–2008. Herbicide leaching was measured in drainage water, with fiberglass-wick lysimeters (40 cm depth, two lysimeters/plot, 11–21 samples/year, 6–272 days after treatment with herbicide). A centre-pivot sprinkler was used for irrigation (650–736 mm water/year, irrigation plus rainfall).

     

  2. Water: Grow cover crops in arable fields

    A replicated, controlled study in 2004–2008 in an irrigated maize field in the Garonne River corridor, in southern France (same study as (12)), found that less herbicide was leached from plots with winter cover crops, compared to plots with bare soil. Pathogens and pesticides: Less herbicide was leached from plots with winter cover crops, compared to plots with bare soil (9% vs 16% of applied herbicide). Methods: Winter cover crops (2006–2007: white mustard; 2004–2006 and 2007–2008: oats) were grown on two plots, and bare soil was maintained in two plots. The plots were 20 x 50 m. The herbicide (75 g/L Isoxaflutole) was sprayed 1–3 days after the maize was sown, in April–May 2005–2008. Herbicide leaching was measured in drainage water, with fiberglass-wick lysimeters (40 cm depth, two lysimeters/plot, 11–21 samples/year, 6–272 days after treatment with herbicide). A centre-pivot sprinkler was used for irrigation (650–736 mm water/year, irrigation plus rainfall).

     

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust