ARS | Publication request: Emission and movement of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin in a large field tarped with low permeability film

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 15, 2012
Publication Date: August 19, 2012
Citation: Gao, S., Qin, R., Ajwa, H., Sullivan, D., Stanghellini, M. 2012. Emission and movement of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin in a large field tarped with low permeability film. American Chemical Society Abstracts. Available: http://abstracts.acs.org/chem/224nm/program/view.php.

Technical Abstract: Tarping fumigated fields with low permeability films (LPF) can effectively minimize the emission peak and reduce total emissions, but increases fumigant retention that would require prolonged tarping duration to reduce exposure risk during tarp cutting and removal. In June 2011, the commercial LPF product, VaporSafeTM, was evaluated for fumigant emission reduction and movement in the field and at tarp edges in an 8-acre field fumigated with Pic-Clor 60 (40/60 mixture of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin) at 660 kg/ha. Over 16 days, <10% of emission loss for both fumigants was measured from the tarped field. Although substantially higher near the tarp edges, the flux reduced to nil in 2 m distance from the tarp edge with a total emission loss <1% of total applied. With the proper use and handling of LPF tarp, soil fumigation can be improved for greater efficiency, lower chemical input, and reduced environmental impact.