Movement of carbofuran (nematicide) in soil columns

Adsorption and movement of carbofuran (a systemic nematicide) were studied using two Indian soils (clay loam and silt loam) of alluvial origin. Equilibrium adsorption coefficient (K) values measured using a batch-slurry technique follows the order clay loam greater than silt loam soil. The distribution coefficients (Kd) for both the soils in batch adsorption as well as in columns were also calculated. Carbofuran movement in soil columns during water infiltration in both air-dried and water-saturated columns was estimated. The order was as anticipated from K and Kd values. A larger amount of water was needed for leaching the carbofuran to 152 cm in clay loam soil than in silt loam soil. Carbofuran appears to increase in drier soils and in finer textured soils.