Pesticide Management Tool Research

RESEARCH – PESTICIDES – MANAGEMENT TOOLS
Researchers within the Land Grant University System or with CSREES funding are developing and evaluating new tools to help farmers, producers, and citizens to reduce pesticide use with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) These tools include techniques that incorporate information technology, computer software to predict pest management needs, sampling strategies, and programs aimed at decision support.

Precision Agriculture
Traditionally, cropland is managed based on the average soil condition and the entire field is treated as a single unit. This method is sometimes inefficient, because pesticides may be over or under applied in some areas. Precision agriculture uses information technologies, like Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing, to target pesticide inputs and management practices to site-specific variable field conditions.

North Dakota State University developed an interactive GIS tool to assess sensitivity of groundwater to fast leaching pesticides.

Statewide groundwater sensitivity maps to pesticides were developed at Colorado State University.

University of Tennessee Sensors and Controls Lab researchers developed a system to improve selective sprayer herbicide applications. The mapping system records data from a selective sprayer while simultaneously logging positional data generated by an external GPS receiver. Collaborators at North Carolina State University, Texas Tech University and Mississippi State University will be evaluating and helping implement the technology.

Decision Tools

University of Nebraska researchers developed WeedSOFT®, a decision support system (DSS) designed to assist growers, consultants, and extension agents in making both proactive and reactive weed management decisions. WeedSOFT® provides users with the treatment information needed according to specific field conditions while factoring in economic and environmental principles, thereby reducing over application of pesticides.

A project at Oklahoma State University determined the sensitivity of groundwater quality and the hazards different herbicides pose to groundwater as calculated with the Pesticide Economic and Environmental Tradeoffs decision support system which utilizes the differences in soil properties, irrigation management, weather patterns, and herbicide properties.

The University of Idaho is working with other Pacific Northwest states, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and local Soil Conservation Districts to develop an Integrated Pest Management planner for farmers. This is a decision support tool, that helps farmers develop a site specific farm plan. The decision tool uses GIS mapping, Win-PST, IPM recommendations and encourages farmers to select pest management tools that will make the least impact to the environment.