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Weed & Pest
Management (IPM) Benefits
Increases Profits
Inputs such as
mechanical cultivation, pesticides, fertilizers and tillage
costs money. By using best management practices to apply these
inputs when they are actually needed, growers can reduce costs.
Weed and pest management can help schedule required controls at
the right time to maximize the benefits of the practice. Weed
and pest management can improve the bottom line for growers.
Reduces Risks
Weed and pest management
results in fewer pesticide applications, at reduced rates, using
the safest and most effective formulations. This minimizes the
dangers associated with pesticide applications, including
accidents, drift, and toxic effects on non-target species and
wildlife. Scouting helps avoid unexpected pest outbreaks, which
can cause heavy losses if not caught and treated.
Delays Resistance
Using the same chemical
control over and over again lowers the effectiveness of that
control on insect, disease and weed pests. By choosing from all
possible control methods, including biologicals, beneficial
organisms, and rotating among pest control methods, resistance
can be prevented or delayed. Preserving the effectiveness of
existing pesticides reduces costs for everyone that uses them.
Protects the
Environment
By using mechanical
cultivation, pesticides, fertilizers and tillage only when
necessary, growers protect the environment, by reducing
sediment, and polluted runoff from entering our lakes, streams
and rivers. Utilizing scouting and selecting the appropriate
control for the weed or pest identified, supports the biological
integrity of all life on earth. |
