The objective of this study was to evaluate sulfentrazone persistence in Typic Hapludalf and its effect on the microbiota of soil cultivated with sugar-cane. The treatments consisted of herbicide application only in 2003, in 2003 with reapplication in 2004 and control without herbicide. Herbicide distribution in the soil profile (0-10 and 10-20 cm of depth) and persistence in 467/24, 517/74, 550/107 and 640/197 days after application (DAA), were studied in the split-plots and split-split-plots, respectively. Indirect quantification of the residues was accomplished by bioassay and C-CO2 evolution together with microbial biomass (CBM) determination were evaluated in soil collected 640/197 DAA. Reduction of dry mass of the aerial part of Sorghum vulgare was verified during the entire evaluated period when the herbicide was applied in 2003 and reapplied in 2004. Most of the residues were detected at the depth of 010 cm, with their leaching potential in the soil being of little significance under environmental conditions. Sulfentrazone influenced the evolution of C-CO2 and CBM of the soil, with the largest accumulated value of C-CO2 being observed for the treatment without herbicide application. Sulfentrazone presented high persistence in PVA, with a negative effect on soil microorganisms, but without posing leaching risks in its profile.
herbicide; residues; bioassay; Saccharum spp.; microbial activity
