Weed and Pest Management (IPM) Benefits

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.