Photostabilization of the herbicide norflurazon microencapsulated with ethylcellulose in the soil-water system

► Herbicide photodegradation studies using ethylcellulose-microencapsulated formulations (ECF) in soil and water. ► Greater herbicide photo-protection observed from EFC than from its commercial form. ► Photo-protective effect due to the gradual herbicide release and the presence of ethylcellulose. ► Herbicide photo-stability conditioned by soil colloidal components, especially by goethite and humic acids. ► EFC could reduce the field herbicide losses by photolysis.