What's Core 4 Conservation?

Core 4 Conservation Partners

News

Core 4 Conservation Brochures

Conservation Tillage

Nutrient Management

Weed & Pest Management (IPM)

Conservation Buffers

Ag Events Calendar

CTIC Partners Newsletter

Catalog

Resource Links

Ag-Earth Partners

MAX

Contact Us/Staff

Integrated pest management


Effective and economical

Crop rotations, crop or cover crop competition, and (to a lesser degree for conservation tillage) row crop cultivation, combined with scouting, are the core of what is known as integrated pest management or IPM.
IPM is a way of controlling pests (weeds, insects, and diseases) using a variety of techniques. The outcome of a sound IPM program is usually increased profits due to savings from reduced pesticide applications and increased protection of the environment.
Here's a general overview of IPM and how it could fit into your production plans. These strategies can become the components of a successful conservation tillage system:

Strategies for IPM in conservation tillage
Rotate crops to disrupt life
cycles of pests.
Select crop varieties to take
advantage of genetic
resistance to pests.
Target specific weeds rather
than applying broad
spectrum herbicides.
Scout to identify, verify, and
quantify problems.
Apply products only when a
pest problem is an economic
threat.
Limit cultivation to emergency
situations.


Weeds that attract beneficial insects to field borders could be part of an integrated pest management system.


Contact your local Cooperative Extension agricultural agent for more detailed information and assistance in developing an IPM strategy for your system.

Using IPM in conservation tillage systems...
Optimizes chemical use
Ensures economic return for insect
   control
Reduces potential for environ-
   mental contamination
Maintains yield expectations

The IPM program that works for you depends on...
Crops planted
Specific insects, weeds or plant
   diseases
Economics
Timing
Operator skill


Back to the Checklist page... To the top of this page...