|
Reducing Pesticide Potential for Surface Runoff
|
|
Given circumstances, any pesticide can move to surface water systems. Pesticide runoff can happen in two ways: a) after dissolution in water, and b) through association with soil/sediment particles. Therefore, if a pesticide is strongly adsorbing or highly soluble in water, it has a better chance to move with the runoff. However, because pesticide runoff is caused by water flowing over soil surface, the actual risk may be reduced through water management practices. When this effort fails, it is advisable to use an alternative product with different properties. You may use PesticideWise to search for products that will have a lower runoff potential for your site.
|
| |
|
1) Irrigation rates:Reduce irrigation rates so that less or no water flows freely is percolated into the soil. You can achieve this by simply irrigating less. Over-irrigation is a common practice. Over irrigation is often used to compensate for poor irrigation efficiency due to faulty irrigation systems or non-uniform irrigation patterns.
|
|
2) Irrigation systems:Change irrigation systems or habits to avoid excessive water flowing (or flooding) over the surface. For instance, furrow irrigation normally allows more runoff unless the tail water is recovered.
|
|
3) Irrigation timing:Schedule irrigation events in a way to enhance infiltration or reduce surface runoff.
|
|
4) Rain storms:Avoid timing pesticide application with major rain events, because excessive rainfall will cause unpredicted surface runoff.
|
|
5) Vegetative strips:Many studies have shown that surface runoff can be reduced by the presence of a vegetative strip (e.g., grassed strip) between the field and the immediate surface water system (e.g., channels, creeks, streams).
|
|
6) Tillage practices:Some studies have also shown that surface runoff may be reduced by using no or reduced tillage, and by leaving plant residues in the field.
|
|
7) Collection ponds:Well constructed ponds can be used for trapping runoff water, settling sediments, and reducing pesticide runoff.
|
|
8) Alternative pesticides:Alternative pesticides: Some pesticides are by design more vulnerable to runoff than other pesticides. If possible, switch to products that can provide the same pest/weed control but with reduced potential for runoff. You may search through Pesticide Manager to search for products that have a lower runoff potential for your site. For pesticides currently registered for use in California, check at California Department of Pesticide Regulation
|
|
9) IPM:Adopt Integrated Pest Management practices to reduce pesticide use and risks. Check out UC IPM
|
