Loss of HCH from surface soil layers under subtropical conditions

The loss of HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane) at an application rate of 25 kg ha(-1) was studied under field conditions from two surface soil layers, each of 7.5 cm, at two sites in Delhi. The soil at both sites was sandy loam type, with a pH of 8.2, and 0.8 to 1.0% organic matter content. At site 1, which was kept fallow and not watered, the upper 7.5-cm layer of soil initially lost HCH more rapidly than the lower layer. The half-life of the HCH in the upper and lower 7.5-cm layers was 21 and 41 days, respectively, and it was 26 days for the total HCH in the combined 15-cm soil layer. At site 2, which contained ornamental plants and was watered regularly, there was not much difference in the loss of HCH between the upper and lower layers. The half-life of HCH was 17 and 25 days for the upper and lower 7.5-cm layers, respectively, and it was 20 days for the total 15-cm soil layer, at this site. The loss was greatest initially at the sites, and was faster in wet soil than in dry soil.