Adsorption and desorption behavior of selected pesticides as influenced by decomposition of maize mulch

► The degree of mulch decomposition enhanced the adsorption of non-ionic pesticides. ► Desorption of glyphosate increased with maize mulch decomposition. ► Desorption of s-metolachlor and epoxiconazole decreased with mulch decomposition. ► Sorption of non-ionic pesticides was predicted using compositional information of mulch.