Effect of Moisture and Soil Type on the Degradation of Bifenthrin in Soil

The effect of moisture and soil characteristics on the degradation of bifenthrin in sandy loam and organic matter rich soil was studied under laboratory conditions. Dissipation of bifenthrin was faster under flooded conditions compared to at 20% field capacity moisture and it was not affected by the soil characteristics. The half-life of degradation of bifenthrin under flooded conditions in both sandy loam and organic matter rich soil was 267 days. In soil at 20% field capacity moisture, bifenthrin persisted longer in organic matter rich soil compared to sandy loam soil. The half-life of degradation of bifenthrin was 411 and 522 days in sandy loam and organic matter rich soil, respectively. Bifenthrin though highly persistent in soil, when applied at a low concentration, degraded faster and it is further enhanced when soil is flooded.