Residual effect of herbicides in soil (Carryover)

Abstract

The present review aimed to collect information from main studies about carryover effect of some herbicides in different crops. Therefore, some relevant subjects were discussed to better understand herbicide dynamics in soil such as the ionization equilibrium constant (pKa/pKb), octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow), solubility, vapor pressure, Henry's constant (H), half-life and the interaction among these properties. From these points, it was developed the review about the residual effects of several herbicides such as imazaquin, imazethapyr, sulfentrazone, nicosulfuron, fomesafen and other, besides pointing out damages to crops and natural environment. Phytoremediation was also discussed, as a technique of soil decontamination through cropping some plant species. For rational herbicide utilization, it is extremely important to choose appropriate products for mixtures, apply suitable doses depending on soil type and climate, as well as understand the causes of problems and control failures in order to reduce the risk of environmental impact caused by residual effects or carryover.