1,3-dichloropropene distribution and emission after gelatin capsule formulation application

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Soil Science

Background:

• 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) is a soil fumigant used to control pests.
• Conventional application methods can lead to significant environmental emissions.
• A gelatin capsule (gel cap) formulation was developed to mitigate these emissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the distribution, emission, and leaching of 1,3-D from gel cap formulations in soil.
• To compare the environmental performance of gel cap 1,3-D with conventional liquid injection.

Main Methods:

• Soil columns were used to simulate field conditions.
• 1,3-D concentrations in soil gas were monitored after gel cap and liquid injection applications.
• Irrigation was applied to assess leaching and emission under different water regimes.
• Total 1,3-D emissions were quantified over the study period.

Main Results:

• Gel cap application with film treatment yielded comparable soil gas concentrations to liquid injection.
• Under heavy irrigation, 1,3-D concentrations were higher below 20 cm but lower at 0-15 cm depth for gel caps.
• Total 1,3-D emissions were reduced by approximately 41% with gel caps compared to liquid injection with film.
• Even without a tarp, gel cap application resulted in only 0.13% total 1,3-D emission over 4 days of irrigation.

Conclusions:

• The 1,3-D gel cap formulation is a promising technology for reducing fumigant emissions.
• This formulation has the potential to decrease environmental contamination and human exposure risks.
• Gel cap technology offers a more sustainable approach to soil fumigation.