AbstractEndosulfan residues on alfalfa hay exposed to drying by sunlight, ultraviolet light and air under controlled conditions were investigated using g.l.c. and t.l.c. Maximum loss of total endosulfan and related residues calculated as endosulfan occurred approximately 7 days after application and exposure on Lot 1 (dark) and 5 days on Lot II (ultraviolet light) and 6 days on Lot III (sunlight). Maximum losses of residues on Lot I, Lot II and Lot HI were 48.3, 66.7 and 81.9%, respectively. No endosulfan lactone was detected in any of the samples exposed to the different light treatments. In all Lots the endosulfan sulphate percentage of the total residue increased but most dramatically in the dark drying experiment. The endosulfan a‐hydroxy ether residues increased in Lot III (sunlight) up to day