Pesticide Application Tips

In the news:

  1.  Top 5 mistakes that lead to spray drift problems.  Meaghan Anderson, ISU Extension.  Wallace’s Farmer May 2017
  2.  Soybean spraying tips. Clarke McGrath, ISU Extension. Wallace’s Farmer May 2017
  3.  Drift control’s most important year, by far.  Eric Stiligoj. CropLife Online May 2017

Spring Application Tips:

Tip 1:  Always read the herbicide label.

  1. Use databases at CDMS (cdms.net/label-database) or Greenbook (www.greenbook.net) to look up your product label if you do not have one.
  2. Always read the “Safety Data Sheet” to learn about human health effects, and to check the exposure controls and personal protective equipment (e.g., safety goggles, gloves, respirators) required.
  3. To find further information on how to reduce spray drift for 2,4-D and dicamba, check the product manufacturer’s websites for spray nozzle types and approved tank mixes.
  4. Contact your local agricultural extension agent if you are having difficulty interpreting the labels.

Tip 2:  Know what is located on adjacent properties.

  1. Talk with neighbors about spray timing, and learn what is growing on properties surrounding the applied field.
  2. Check product labels specifically for buffer zone requirements, nozzle types, and sensitive area precautions.  (E.g. Engenia(R) dicamba products require a minimum of 110 ft downwind buffer.
  3. Take special precautions when spraying in areas near other humans– such as homes ,schools, and busy roadways.
  4. Identify other nearby properties with specialty crops.  Fourteen states (including IA, IL, IN, KS, MN, NE, and WI) now have sensitive crops identified on a Field Watch map, for public viewing (https://driftwatch/org/map).

 

Special thanks to ISU Extension Agent, Meaghan Anderson.