Laboratory-scale measurements and simulations of effect of application methods on soil methyl bromide emission

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Journal of Environmental Quality

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq1997.00472425002600010043x· OSTI ID:441655

Gan, J; Yates, S R ^[1]; Spencer, W F ^[2]

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1. Salinity Lab., Riverside, CA (United States)
2. Univ. of California, Riverside, CA (United States); and others

Methyl bromide (bromomethane, MeBr), which originates from the oceans, fumigation, and a few other sources, is reportedly contributing to the ozone depletion in the stratosphere. Due to the heavy reliance on this fumigant in the production of many crops, it is of particular importance to accurately quantify the atmospheric input of MeBr arising from agricultural uses, and develop feasible measures to minimize these emissions. In this study, we determined the effect of two important application variables, surface tarp and injection depth, on MeBr transport and transformation in the soil and its emission from the soil surface under controlled conditions. Following 20- and 30-cm injections, covering the soil surface with 1-mil (0.025 mm) high-density polyethylene film resulted in an average of 48% reduction in MeBr emission. Increasing the injection depth from 20 to 60 cm caused a decrease in MeBr emission of 54% under untarped conditions and 40% under tarped conditions. The influence of application methods on MeBr atmospheric emissions should be considered when estimating the contribution of agricultural fumigation to the overall atmospheric MeBr burden on a global scale. The results also indicate that MeBr emission after soil fumigation may be substantially minimized by using surface tarpaulins and deep injections. 34 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 441655
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Quality, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Quality Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 26; ISSN JEVQAA; ISSN 0047-2425
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
COVERINGS
CROPS
EMISSION
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
METHYL BROMIDE
MITIGATION
OZONE
POLYETHYLENES
SOILS
STRATOSPHERE