Em4885 irrigation management practices to protect ground water

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CHAPTER 4
IP 4.01.02 - Practice Integrated Pest Management Techniques Where Applicable
Objective
Reduce overall chemical use and retain effectiveness of currently available chemicals.
Description
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) means different things to different people. Generally
though, IPM seeks to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals. It does this by creating a pest
control strategy that incorporates biological, cultural, physical, genetic, narrow spectrum,
and low-toxic chemical tactics as appropriate. Some important aspects of IPM include:
1. Improved crop rotations - to encourage beneficial predators, improve soil tilth,
and suppress weeds.
2. Improved tillage practices - timing and type of tillage can reduce pest habitat and
control weeds. Reduction in the overall number of tractor trips across a field could
also reduce compaction and/or erosion.
3. Avoidance of overuse of synthetic chemicals that could cause resistance -if
chemicals have to be used it is desirable to rotate the type of chemical to prevent
build-up of resistance in the targeted pest.
4. Maintenance of beneficial populations - it is desirable to use beneficial insects
to control populations of non-beneficial insects. In some cases, beneficial insects
are reared in artificial environments and then released in targeted agricultural areas.
Note that use of chemical controls often will destroy beneficial populations at the
same time.
5. Use of pest-resistant crop varieties.
6. Improved field sampling - this seeks to more accurately determine when chemical
use is actually warranted. Sampling involves direct counting, trapping, and
sweeping. Aerial photography may also be helpful.
7. Modified planting/harvesting schedules to disrupt insect populations.
8. Trap crops - this is the planting of small areas to plants that attract pests from
the main crop.