Soil hydro-physical variables and crop residues determinate runoff, soil loss, and glyphosate and AMPA concentration in the aqueous phase under simulated rainfall events

Soil structural degradation and water erosion processes were observed even in no-tillage schemes in the Pampas region. Within these conservation systems, agrochemical application per hectare is one of the highest globally. Thus, this entails a serious risk of water contamination. The objectives of this study were to (1) test the hypothesis that the hydrological dynamics and sediment concentration related to surface runoff were conditioned by soil structure regardless of the presence of maize (Zea mays L.) crop residue and (2) assess the incidence of maize crop residue on glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) concentration in runoff. The soil under study corresponded to Arroyo Dulce Series (Typic Argiudoll silty loam soil). Rain simulations were performed in the laboratory on undisturbed soil samples. Total runoff and infiltration rate were similar between treatments with C(+) and without C(−) maize crop residues (C(+) 1381.40 mL and 14.27 mm h⁻¹, C(−): 1529.70 mL and 21.67 mm h⁻¹). The C(−) treatments showed a higher sediment concentration than C(+) (1.58 and 0.42 g 100 mL⁻¹, respectively). Glyphosate and AMPA average values in runoff were 15.9 and 33.9 µg L⁻¹. High variability of the hydro-physical properties and occurrence of soil structure, particularly platy ones, were detected. The hydrological variables were conditioned mainly by the occurrence of platy structures regardless of crop residue presence. Glyphosate concentration was increased in the first runoff event by the presence of corn residues, while AMPA concentrations were higher in the second runoff event in both residue treatments. In this study, maize residue on the soil surface protected the soil from sediment detachment but did not change runoff or infiltration. Thus, the implementation of agricultural management practices that promote vegetative residue cover has shown positive results to erosion.