Persistence of Pendimethalin and Chlorimuron-p-ethyl in Soil and its Impact on Soil Microorganisms

Persistence of pendimethalin and chlorimuron-p-ethyl and its impact on soil micro flora was studied during kharif season in soybean. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 2.0 and 1.0 kg ha⁻¹ one day after sowing of soybean resulted in its persistence in soil for 60 and 45 days respectively at the two respective doses. The post emergence application of chlorimuron-p-ethyl applied at 25 days after sowing @ 9 and 18 g ha⁻¹ persisted in soil up to 60 days. The microbial count of the soil decreased upto 15 days after application in both the herbicides but was restored after 30 days and at harvest.