Shifting application dates on cereal reduces pesticide transfer via subsurface drainage based on water flow forecasts during autumn applications.

Background: Thanks to the changes in aquatic risk assessment within the marketing authorization (MA) process in France, the contamination of surface water through the subsurface drainage network is better accounted for. The measure adopted by risk regulations is to prohibit any use of selected pesticides on drained plots. Herbicide solutions on subsurface-drained plots are becoming scarce due to a limited number of innovations combined with the re-approvals process.