Research and monitoring studies on isoproturon movement to surface and ground water in Europe

Monitoring studies conducted by various organizations have shown the presen ce of transient concentrations of isoproturon in surface waters in cereal g rowing areas of Europe. Detections of isoproturon in ground water have been rare. To better understand the causes of these residues as well as to deve lop management practices for reducing these residues, Rhone-Poulenc and Agr Evo have conducted drainage and runoff studies in the U.K., runoff studies with buffer strips in Germany and France, catchment studies in Germany and the U.K., drainage and leaching studies in Germany, and ground water monito ring studies in Germany. In addition both companies have participated in mo re general collaborative research programs including movement of crop prote ction products via macropore flow on cracking days and the development of b iobeds. The studies show that the generic mechanisms of runoff and macropor e flow to tile drains can result in residues in surface water under certain conditions. However, in some circumstances, point sources from filling and cleaning of sprayers can be the dominant cause of residues. Movement of is oproturon residues through the soil profile to ground water is not an impor tant pathway.