Simulating Field-Scale Volatilization of Soil Fumigants.

Use of pesticides has led to increased crop production and a more abundant and varied food supply.  However, emissions of pesticides to the atmosphere can adversely affect ecosystem and human health. Pesticide fate, transport and emissions are affected by many soil and environmental processes. Recent field and laboratory studies have produced information that can be used to test the predictive capability of pesticide emission models. This presentation will compare predicted and measured emissions of 1,3-dichloropropene in an effort to test model performance and to identify model weaknesses. As research improves our ability to predict pesticide emissions, methods can be developed to utilize these chemicals safely, leading to increased agricultural production while reducing adverse consequences on the environment and public health.