Site-Specific Pesticide Recommendations: The Final Step in Environmental Impact Prevention

Abstract

A screening procedure to minimize adverse water quality impacts of pesticide application is presented that matches pesticide parameters to site-specific soil ratings. The pesticide parameters include a Relative Leaching Potential Index (RLPI), a Relative Runoff Potential Index (RRPI), the U.S. Environ. Prot. Agency (USEPA) lifetime health advisory level (HAL), and aquatic toxicity (LC50). Criteria used in developing soil ratings are described. Pesticide selection is accomplished by matching pesticide parameters values for the array of pesticides that control the pest of interest to soil ratings at the application site using selection criteria. A worksheet is presented to facilitate organization of information for the selection procedure and to serve as a record of the pesticide applicator's decision. The linking of an environmental fate model to a geographic information system (GIS) to create thematic maps of pesticide leaching potentials in terms of probability of exceeding the HAL in groundwater is described. A cost vs. groundwater hazard index frontier is described that suggests a method to assess the economic consequences of alternative pesticide selections.