Document Type
Factsheet
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Applied Engineering in Agriculture
Volume
8
Issue
3
Publisher
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Publication Date
12-1991
First Page
347
Last Page
353
Abstract
Pesticides reduce crop losses due to insects, pathogens, weeds and other pests, but can contaminate ground water. Ground water refers to water in the saturated portion of the soil material. Water in an unsaturated region of the soil is termed soil moisture.
Pesticide contamination of ground water is well documented (Ranjha et al., Fact Sheet EL 256, June 1991). Ground-water contamination by pesticides is of special concern in Utah, where most of the rural population is entirely dependent on ground water for its domestic needs.
Ground-water contamination by pesticides depends on such factors as agricultural practices, soils, plant uptake, geology, hydrology, climate, topography and pesticide properties.
The major objective of this fact sheet is to present an integrated approach for developing, selecting, and using Best Management Practices (BMPs) for minimizing ground-water contamination by pesticides. BMPs, such as efficient sprinkler irrigation design and selection of less leachable pesticides, can be integrated into a Best Management System (BMS). Use of a BMS will result in safer use of pesticides than less integrated approaches.
Recommended Citation
A. Y. Ranjha, R. C. Peralta, R. W. Hill, A. M. Requena, L. N. Allen, H. M. Deer, M. Ehteshami. Sprinkler Irrigation-Pesticide Best Management Systems. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 8(3): 347-353. (doi: 10.13031/2013.26075) @1992
