HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Cervelli, S. Articles by Perna, A. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Cervelli, S. Articles by Perna, A. Agricola Articles by Cervelli, S. Articles by Perna, A.

Effect of Atrazine on Soil Transformations of Nitrogen and Uptake by Corn¹

ABSTRACT

The influence of different rates of atrazine (2-chloro-4-[ethylamino]-6-[isopropylamino]-s-triazine) (0,2, and 6 kg ha^–1) on nitrogen balance and soil urease following ¹⁵N-urea fertilization (200 kg ha^–1) was investigated in corn (Zea mays L.) plots by emission spectrometry. Urease activity was affected by both urea and atrazine applications. Concentrations of NH₄⁺-N and NO_3–-N in soil were greater at the highest herbicide rate. Organic N buildup was slower in plots that received atrazine at the highest rate, but at the end of the cropping season the total amount of organic N was similar for all treatments.

Nitrogen losses, as determined by an N balance sheet, were 51, 32, and 22% of added N in the plots treated with 0, 2, and 6 kg ha^–1 of atrazine, respectively.

The main role of organic N in the N cycle of the soil-plant environment in the presence of atrazine is suggested.

Key Words: N • herbicides • pesticides • soil urease

¹ Contribution of the Institute for Soil Chemistry, C.N.R., Via Corridoni, 78-56100, Pisa, Italy. Research supported by a grant from C.N.R., Promotion of the Environmental Quality Programme.

² Soil Scientist and Laboratory Technicians, respectively.

Received for publication August 16, 1980.