Understanding pesticide fate and transport processes in eco-hydrological modelling through temporal parameter sensitivity analysis

• Mobility and persistence control jointly the timing and pathways of pesticide losses. • Surface runoff reduces the parameter sensitivity of DT 50 and K oc . • Pesticide properties show higher sensitivities with dominant lateral flow conditions. • Tile drain transport of non-mobile substances occurs more frequently than modelled. • Findings highlight the need to better represent spatial variability in risk assessment.