Pest Management - Pest Control on the Farm
Proper pest management on the farm involves a variety of practices, such as rotating crops to reduce disease and insect problems, and establishing tall grass hedges to provide habitat for beneficial insects. Many farmers now monitor their fields regularly - a practice called scouting - to keep track of insect and weed populations. Only when populations reach a level where an unacceptable amount of damage is likely are direct control measures initiated. When pesticides are necessary, farmers fill and clean tanks away from water sources, mix only necessary amounts, and apply only to land where problems exist.
Many farmers are using IPM techniques for effective and economic control of pests. IPM programs have been developed for numerous crops including apples, grapes, corn, and alfalfa. Based on monitoring of specific pests, farmers apply only those pesticides needed for adequate control.
Many farmers are using IPM techniques for effective and economic control of pests. IPM programs have been developed for numerous crops including apples, grapes, corn, and alfalfa. Based on monitoring of specific pests, farmers apply only those pesticides needed for adequate control.