G96-1299 Agricultural Management Practices to Reduce Atrazine in Surface Water

Authors

Thomas G. Franti, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Fred Roeth, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Robert N. Klein, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
David L. Holshouser, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Andrew P. Christiansen, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
James A. Schild, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Gary L. Zoubek, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

1996

Comments

© 1996, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Ways to reduce atrazine availability, reduce the amount of water runoff, and reduce the impact of the first runoff are covered here. Each year growers face many decisions when planning for a new growing season, including selection of an economical weed control program. Because of their ease of use and effectiveness, many producers use preemergence herbicides to control weeds. Because of its low cost, corn and sorghum growers often select atrazine or an atrazine combination. Nebraska corn growers annually apply an estimated 6.3 million pounds of atrazine. Atrazine is an effective and low-cost herbicide, but there is a hidden cost to its use. Atrazine is appearing in both surface water and groundwater.