Integrated Assessment of Vegetation and Soil Conditions Following Herbicide Application
Abstract
Vegetation and soil conditions were evaluated prior to and following herbicide application implemented to control woody vegetation and maintain open grassland areas at Fort Hood, TX. Herbicide application resulted in a decreased rate of vegetation resprout compared with areas where herbicide was not used. Specifically, herbicide mixtures containing Remedy Ultra and methylated seed oil (RU-MSO) outperformed treatments in which no herbicide was applied and areas receiving herbicide and diesel fuel oil treatments (RU-diesel) across each of the three soils evaluated. Field monitoring assessed herbicide concentrations in soil and water. Herbicides were not observed in creeks and ponds adjacent to treatment areas. In soils, herbicide concentrations decreased by 72% over one month, likely due to microbial degradation, and with distance from the point of application. Monitoring results suggest that limited lateral and/or vertical transport occurred under field conditions. Laboratory studies evaluated potential fate and transport of herbicide compounds, identifying herbicide affinity for the soil surface. Additionally, RU-MSO treatments were strongly bound to soil surfaces at environmentally relevant concentrations. Further, laboratory column studies also suggest that potential transport in soil remained limited. Incorporating periodic herbicide applications into an integrated vegetation management plan will maintain grassland habitats in support of the mission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 25, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1037255
Entities
People
- Christine M. Vanzomeren
- Cynthia L. Price
- Nathan R. Beane