An investigation into the hydrogeological transport of atrazine in soils of the Western Australian wheat-belt

Level 1 General description

Purpose:

To determine the effect of atrazine application in soils within the WA wheat-belt on groundwater contamination and develop a best management practice for atrazine in broadacre crops.

Methods (brief)

Experimental sites with three treatments per site were established at two locations in the Western Australian cereal-belt. Each plot had different soils/profile/hydrological characteristics. Atrazine, simazine and metolachlor were applied at various rates and timings and groundwater was monitored over a three year period.  

Key findings (brief)

• Atrazine, simazine and metolachlor can be safely used to control broadleaved weeds in canola production without significant contamination of surface and ground waters.
• Atrazine groundwater herbicide contamination levels didn’t exceed the Health Action (40ppb) but may exceed the Australian drinking water (0.1 ppb) guideline values in the groundwater by the first rains following application.

Location

Chapman Valley and Esperance, Western Australia.

Related studies

N/A

Key references and sources of this data synthesis

These data summaries have been extracted from:

         i.          Rothnie N. 2005. An investigation into the hydrogeological transport of atrazine in soils of the Western Australian wheat-belt. Grains Research & Development Corporation Final Report CHC24.