No abstract

This report summarizes well sampling protocols, data collection procedures, and analytical results for the presence of pesticides in ground water developed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). Specific well sampling protocols were developed to meet regulatory mandates of the Pesticide Contamination Prevention Act (PCPA) of 1986 and to provide further understanding of the agronomic, chemical, and geographic factors that contribute to movement of residues to ground water. The well sampling data have formed the basis for the DPR's regulatory decisions. For example, a sampling protocol, the Four-Section Survey, was developed to determine if reported detections were caused by nonpoint-source agricultural applications, a determination that can initiate formal review and subsequent regulation of a pesticide. Selection of sampling sites, which are primarily rural domestic wells, was initially based on pesticide use and cropping patterns. Recently, soil and depth-to-ground water data have been added to identify areas where a higher frequency of detection is expected. In accordance with the PCPA, the DPR maintains a database for all pesticide well sampling in California with submission required by all state agencies and with invitations for submission extended to all local and federal agencies or other entities. To date, residues for 16 active ingredients and breakdown products have been detected in California ground water as a result of legal agricultural use. Regulations have been adopted for all detected parent active ingredients, and they have been developed regardless of the level of detection.

No abstract

A study was conducted to relate leaching of a herbicide, atrazine [6‐chloro‐N‐ethyl‐N′‐(1‐methylethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,‐diamine], and inorganic water tracers, Br− and Cl−, to the amount of deep‐percolating water produced from irrigation. Soil at the site was classified as a Dehli Loamy Sand (Mixed, Thermic, Tepic Xeropsamment) which was an unstructured sandy soil that was low in organic C content, conditions conducive to solute leaching. The relationship between depth of solute movement and amount of deep‐percolating water was measured in sprinkler, basin, and furrow irrigation methods. Soil distribution of inorganic tracers indicated that graded levels of added water treatments, which were based on reference evapotranspiration, produced corresponding increases in the depth of percolated water. Atrazine's soil distribution indicated greater downward movement in response to increases in amount of deep‐percolating water. Magnitude of leaching differed between irrigation methods and increased in the order: sprinkler < basin < furrow. Simulations using the LEACHM model provided a physically based explanation for the differences in water movement between sprinkler and basin methods. The total amount of applied water was similar at each level of percolation but sprinkler irrigations were more frequent, resulting in more evaporation and, consequently, less water available for deep percolation. Both amount and method of water application are important factors that determine pesticide movement and that, in irrigated agriculture, must be considered as integral components of pesticide management.