A study to evaluate differences in the transport and sorption of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid within soils collected from grassy vegetative buffer strips (VBS), wooded riparian VBS, and agricultural fields planted to corn/soybean.
Neonicotinoids are a class of broad-spectrum systemic insecticides frequently used in agroecosystems to control root and leaf eating pests. The widespread use and environmental persistence of neonicotinoids in the U.S. and globally has resulted in widespread surface water contamination and build-up of neonicotinoids within other environmental sectors, such as soils and wetlands. Due to the deleterious effects of neonicotinoids on non-target insects and wildlife, it is necessary to evaluate management practices that can (1) reduce neonicotinoid entry into surface waters hydrologically connected to natural and managed wetlands and (2) accelerate neonicotinoid decomposition within intensively managed wetlands during the spring when expected peak neonicotinoid concentrations coincide with crop planting.
Previous research has illustrated the ability of vegetative buffer strips (VBS) to reduce the loss of organic agrichemicals (e.g., herbicides and veterinary antibiotics) from agroecoystems largely due to improved soil properties; thus, VBS may mitigate neonicotinoid transport from agricultural lands to surface water resources.
The objectives of this project was to evaluate differences in the transport and sorption of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid within soils collected from grassy VBS, wooded riparian VBS, and agricultural fields planted to corn/soybean.