Satellite images as a tool to identify accelerated atrazine mineralization in soils

► Argentinean farmers have increased atrazine doses due to its low efficiency, especially cultivated soils with maize. This behavior is associated to development of soil microorganisms capable to degrade atrazine, called “atrazine-degraders”. ► Atrazine use was associated to maize crop. ► Plants present a characteristic pattern of color, texture, and tone, than produced typical spectral responses. ► By means of visual interpretation of satellite images it was determined the crop in successive years. ► Recognition of maize crop by means of satellite images was interpreted as high probability of accelerated atrazine mineralization. This behavior was corroborating by laboratory analysis.