Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Reducing Long-Term Atrazine Runoff From South Central Nebraska, Walter Scott Gorneau, Thomas G. Franti, Brian L. Benham, Steve D. Comfort

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Heavy reliance on chemical weed control in field crops of South Central Nebraska has resulted in the appearance of atrazine at concentrations greater than established drinking water standards. Our objective was to evaluate the best management practices for atrazine runoff for the tillage and herbicide management practices common to the region under study. Field experiments were performed to measure edge–of–field atrazine and water loss from disk–till, ridge–till, and slot plant (no–till) management systems. Results indicated less water runoff from no–till (34% less) and ridge–till (36% less) than from disk–till. Similarly, atrazine loss was also less: 24% less for no–till and …