60 Ways - 56. Consider Direct Injection And Closed Handling Systems

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60 Ways Farmers Can Protect Surface Water

50 ways

57 ways

60 ways

Managing Surface Cover

1. Distribute residue evenly at harvest
2. Avoid fall tillage
3. Determine how your operations will affect residue cover
4. Estimate residue cover in the field
5. Adjust equipment to preserve residue
6. Plant a cover crop
7. Rotate crops
8. Select vigorous perennial pasture species
9. Protect the soil with special-use annual forage crops
10. Protect the soil with rotational grazing
11. Use no-till when renovating pasture
12. Manage timberland to protect soil

Controlling the Flow of Water

13. Reduce soil compaction and increase infiltration
14. Install grassed waterways
15. Plant vegetative filter strips or make critical area plantings
16. Farm on the contour
17. Use contour stripcropping and contour buffer strips
18. Install terraces
19. Install grade control structures
20. Install water and sediment control basin
21. Use diversions
22. Install a farm pond
23. Maintain your dtrainage system to protect surface water
24. Control streambank erosion with the willow-post method
25. Avoid channelization of streams and creeks

Managing Nutrients Effectively

26. Set realistic yield goals
27. Monitor the level of nutrients
28. Credit other nitrogen sources
29. Select nitrogen fertilizers wisely
30. Apply nitrogen in the spring
31. Apply fertilizer with a global positioning system

Managing Livestock Waste Effectively

32. Keep livestock out of water
33. Divert runoff water
34. Collect and store contaminated runoff
35. Install a vegetative filter - in appropriate
36. Determine accurate manure application equipment
37. Calibrate manure application equipment
38. Apply manure wisely

Reducing Insecticide Use

39. Scout fields for insects
40. Base decisions on the economic thresholds for insects
41. Use insect-resistant crop varieties
42. Use crop rotation and plant diversity to control insects
43. Spot-treat insect infestations when possible
44. Conserve beneficial insects

Reducing Herbicide Use

45. Scout for weeds and know their economic thresholds
46. Fine-tune your weed-control program to cut back on herbicides
47. Manage crops to compete aggressively with weeds
48. Don't assume that no-till requires more herbicide
49. Band herbicides and cultivate
50. Control weeds with cover crops

Selecting Pesticides

51. Select the leat-toxic pesticide
52. Determine your soil's potential for runoff
53. Determine your pesticide's potential for runoff
54. Determine the soil-pesticide interaction rating

Handling Pesticides Safely & Efficiently

55. Calibrate your sprayer
56. Consider direct injection and closed handling systems
57. Observe setback zones
58. Rinse and dispose of chemical containers safely
59. Dispose of excess chemical safely
60. Dispose of other farm waste safely

56. Consider Direct Injection And Closed Handling Systems
	With direct injection systems, chemicals are injected into the main sprayer line where they are mixed with carrier and then applied through conventional nozzles. This way, pure chemicals are kept separate from the water carrier tank. Direct injection units can be equipped with multiple containers to hold different pesticides. With a flip of the switch, you can move from one pesticide to another on the go, and some systems allow you to apply multiple chemicals at a time. With such features, you can apply pesticides to only the areas that need them, not to the entire field, thus reducing your total chemical use.
	When you are done spraying the field, simply remove the container, make sure it is properly marked, and store it until the next use. By using the same container for the same pesticide, you don't have to worry about leftover chemical, reducing your chances of spilling and exposure. There is no leftover rinsate to deal with and no need to flush or clean the entire rig.
	Direct injection has sometimes been described as a closed handling system, but that is not entirely accurate. With a true closed handling system, the operator has virtually no contact with the chemical as it is loaded into the applicator. For example, with some systems, you can attach insecticide containers directly to the planter so they drain directly into the planter box.
	A University of Illinois demonstration, using ultraviolet light to track pesticide exposure, found a dramatic reduction in a farmer's exposure to pesticides when using such a system.
	Another type of closed handling system consists of hoses that have "drylock" connectors. These hoses virtually eliminate leaks and spills as chemical is pumped from a bulk or mini-bulk container into the spray tank.
	In addition, many chemicals now come in water-soluble bags, which dissolve in the spray tank within minutes. They eliminate pesticide container disposal problems, provide pre-measured quantities of chemicals, and reduce your exposure to chemicals.