Authors / CoAuthors
Ferris, I.G.
Abstract
Improvements in agricultural production help sustain the worlds burgeoning population. The question is whether agricultural technologies degrade primary soil and water resources. Sulfonylurea herbicides provide a good example of the impact of a technical innovation. Higher more-dependable wheat yields were achieved over the entire Australian wheat belt after the introduction of the sulfonylurea herbicides. More recently, farmers have expressed concern about limited recropping options and the accumulation of sulfonylurea residues in some soil types. A risk/benefit balance sheet for residual sulfonylureas indicates that benefits of sulfonylurea use far outweigh risks, particularly compared with an alternative mechanical weed control option. The overall profile of sulfonylurea herbicides fits well with the characteristics needed for sustainable farming systems. However, two potential problems were identified for sulfonylurea use on alkaline sodic soils: injury of highly susceptible legumes from sulfonylurea carryover and sulfonylurea leaching into groundwater. The risk depends largely on the amount and distribution of rainfall. Thus, problems can be averted if geographical information systems/herbicide simulation models and seasonal weather forecasts are combined to provide site specific recommendations.
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document
eCat Id
81364
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Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Dr GPO Box 378
Canberra
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2601
Australia
Keywords
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- GA PublicationJournal
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)
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- Earth Sciences
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- Published_External
Publication Date
1993-01-01T00:00:00
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geoscientificInformation
Series Information
AGSO Journal of Australian Geology and Geophysics 14:2-3:297-302
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Unknown
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