Disclaimer: This series is informational only and does not act as a substitute for the Indianan herbicide Applicators Certification. For more information on obtaining an Indianan herbicide Applicator License please see the Office of the Indiana State Chemist.
Click Here to Read Part 1 Click Here to Read Part 2 Click Here to Read Part 4 Herbicides are vital tools for maintaining healthy gardens and farms, but their potency demands careful handling to ensure safety and effectiveness. This article explores the safety considerations when handling, transporting, storing, and mixing herbicides as well as how to properly clean your equipment after use. All herbicides and additives mentioned below can be purchased at your local farm supply store or online.
Herbicide Mixing Order
Safe and effective herbicide application depends on applying a chemical that works as it is intended in the proper concentration throughout the entire mixture. When mixing or diluting herbicides from concentrates, follow these steps to achieve best results. Directions listed are for filling the tank to capacity, adjust amounts if not filling to capacity.
Storing Herbicides Properly
Using the proper storage methods, herbicides in their concentrated form can retain their potency and effectiveness for 2-5 years. Use the methods below to get the best life out of your herbicides.
Cleaning Equipment Safely
Please send any questions you may have to either Hamilton County Soil and Water or directly to the Office of the Indiana State Chemist.
0 Comments
Written by Jacob Luken
Whether applying on a ¼ acre lot in the city or on hundreds of acres of farmland or woodland property chances are you will eventually need to apply some form of pesticides to control unwanted plants, insects, and other pests. Pesticides can be one of our greatest tools for plant management - from controlling unwanted weeds between the cracks of the sidewalk to maintaining farm fields or removing invasive species – so it is important to know how to best protect ourselves and our environment from unwanted effects of pesticides. To address these concerns and help educate homeowners on the considerations of pesticide selection, safe handling, application, and other considerations join Hamilton County Soil and Water for our multi-part blog series: The Dos and Don’ts of Safe and Effective Pesticide Application. If you are planning on applying chemicals or pesticides on your property for any reason, please read this series to learn how to protect yourself and the environment from harm. Our new Resilient Indiana Technician, Jamie Davenport, started last month. Jamie is a recent graduate from Indiana University, earning a dual master's degree in environmental science and public affairs. While there, she had unique opportunities to learn more about sustainable agricultural practices by traveling throughout Indiana to learn more about approaches to rotational grazing, cover cropping, and constructed wetlands. She also spent summers working for the World Wildlife Foundation in Portugal or rural villages in West Africa to learn more about their approaches to landscape conservation and restoration. She was also selected to join the university’s research delegation to the UN Conference on climate change (COP28) hosted in Dubai, UAE. There, she studied the potential for soil carbon sequestration both for climate change mitigation and adaptation - concluding that healthier soils with organic matter stores will be integral both as a carbon sink and to ensure that agricultural yields will continue to support our populations. Resilient Indiana Technical Assistance (RITA) is a new program through the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD), with additional support from the Natural Resource Conservation Society (NRCS). Jamie supports 6 counties - Hamilton, Madison, Delaware, Marion, Hancock, and Henry - with their specific needs. Her work will include outreach at agricultural field days and public meetings, technical assistance with land users on climate mitigation management and invasive species removal, conservation planning, engineering surveying, and Conservation Reserve (Enhancement) Programming. She will rotate between her assigned offices to provide assistance regularly and attend monthly board meetings. Additionally, she will participate in IASWCD and NRCS activities and outreach like workshops, CRP initiatives, state meetings, and other public outreach. This is a grant-funded position that will run through 2028 with plans for renewal. Jamie looks forward to learning more about each of her counties and how she can best serve them - especially in bringing over ideas from her districts into others to improve each county’s successes. Written by Mark McCauley Fall Fertilization As we approach the end of summer and the beginning of fall, our minds might be turning to the things we need to do around the home to prepare for winter, but that may not include our lawns. People are prone to think that the grass is done for the year, and now will be going into a dormant period and not need much attention until next growing season. However, does it really stop growing completely during the colder months? In reality, cool season grasses (which account for most lawn mixes locally) do continue to grow underground, even during the winter, although much more slowly. Providing your lawn the right fertilizers it needs in the fall will help it create and store the necessary reserves (carbohydrates) to keep building a healthy root system. Fall fertilization may be far from the minds of many homeowners, but it shouldn’t be. Taking the time to perform some simple fertilizer applications this fall will likely pay off big next spring! Penn State Extension explains it this way:
Fall Weed Control But what about broadleaf weed control? Could that also be an issue to address in the fall? Aren’t weeds also going into the winter and entering a dormant period? Well, for several problem weeds the answer is no. Some, like Chickweed, germinate as tiny plants under the grass canopy in the fall, and will be there ready to take off growing in full force next spring. In that regard, fall weed control can be a very effective management tool in controlling problematic broadleaves. Applying the right herbicides going into the fall can outright kill the weed, or at least weaken it going into the winter, when it will die from lack of reserves. Kansas State Extension discusses the issue of fall weed control:
Resources Available Through Purdue University
Purdue University has some excellent publications to help you manage your lawn. Taking Care of Your Yard, The Homeowner's Essential Guide to Lawns, Trees, Shrubs, and Garden Flowers Lawn Improvement Programs Maintenance Calendar for Indiana Lawns Control of Broadleaf Weeds in Home Lawns Written by Lynsey Johnston If you are looking to add more trees and shrubs into your yard, the best time to get started is now ! Take the time leading up to the fall equinox to select the species and varieties that will work best for your space.
5. Find a retailer. Great news for you – our native & shrub tree sale is happening just in time for plant planting! Click here to check out our native tree and shrub availability. We are also offering a dozen native flowers and vines this year! 6. Prep your trees for planting. I recommend fusing mycorrhizal fungi when planting. You can also take a handful of native prairie or woodland soil if you have access and include it in the hole to introduce a healthy microbial community. Species Suggestions
Understory (dappled light)
Partial Shade
Full sun
2. Odor Summer stratification caused by temperature differences in warm water close to the surface and cooler water deeper in a water body prevents mixing in lakes and ponds. This stratification causes nutrients to remain near the bottom of the water body to be consumed by organisms. As the breakdown of nutrients and dead organisms occurs, oxygen is depleted. This anaerobic digestion of nutrients results in hydrogen sulfide gas. When temperatures fall and the water can once again mix, this gas is released resulting in a “rotten egg” smell. 3. Stratification & Turnover When temperatures are more constant in the summer, water in lakes and ponds will naturally create different zones based on temperature. This is called stratification. When temperatures drop, the water in lakes and ponds cools and requires less energy for mixing. This mixing, also called turnover, can increase oxygen levels by exposing more water to the atmosphere. If a large portion of oxygen in a lake or pond has been depleted during summer stratification, this mixing could dilute the already low amount of oxygen in the water. (Stratification and turnover also happen in winter and spring respectively.) 4. Fish Kills Fish need dissolved oxygen to breathe. When the temperature of water goes up, the capacity for dissolved oxygen in water goes down. This drop in oxygen can cause susceptible fishes to die. Likewise, when turnover occurs, oxygen can be diluted to unsafe levels for susceptible fishes. Staff at the Hamilton County SWCD can assist you with info and suggestions for your water quality concerns including site visits, assessments, and well water testing. Stop by our office or contact us at [email protected]
Written by Lynsey Johnston
Long before Colonel Eli Lilly stepped onto the pharmacy scene, humans were creating medicine from plants using knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Using plants as medicine isn’t exclusive to humans. Animals have also been found to self-medicate. Scientists, and probably you, too, have observed this behavior. Some examples of this are dogs eating grass or rabbits lining their nests with herbs. Self-medication in animals is known as zoopharmacognosy and it is used as both preventative and therapeutic. Ready to start your own “FARMacy” for you or your pets? Do your research. Check out the lists below to learn how you can grow a piece of history, enhance the health of your local ecosystem, support your health, and add beauty to your space! My favorite way to start a medicinal garden is to make a list of the ailments that come up most frequently in our household and find the corresponding plant support. As an example, if you are interested in supporting your immune system, you may add echinacea to your gardens. The simplest way to start your herbal journey is with teas. Herbal teas are also known as “hot infusions”. The infusion process helps extract the beneficial components of the herbs (plants). Depending on the herb, a tea can be made of dried plant material or fresh and can be comprised of one or multiple herbs. Native medicinal plants and their practical uses Native medicinal plants for full sun:
Native medicinal plants for part sun:
Native medicinal plants for shade:
Many of these plants can be found at one of the great native nurseries in the state. You can find a list of native nurseries here. **This article is purely educational. Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation does not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. It is advised that a health care provider be consulted before pursuing any herbal treatments. Sources: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/education/native-american-plant-use.htm#:~:text=Nonetheless%2C%20they%20made%20use%20of,sages%2C%20and%20many%20other%20plants untitled (imhm.org) Pharmacy - indyencyclopedia.org PowerPoint Presentation (indiananativeplants.org) Blog by Lynsey Johnson (SWCD Volunteer Coordinator, HC Master Gardener, and permaculture consultant) Disclaimer: This series is informational only and does not act as a substitute for the Indiana Pesticide Applicators Certification. For more information on obtaining an Indiana Pesticide Applicator License please see the Office of the Indiana State Chemist. Click Here to Read Part 1 Click Here to Read Part 3 Click Here to Read Part 4 Effective herbicide and pesticide management is crucial for effective invasive species control, maintaining healthy crops, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. This article explores the different types of control methods, the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), pesticide resistance, and considerations for herbicide selection. What is a pest? A pest is any organism harmful to humans or human concerns. Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests and can be broken down into herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides which control plants, insects, and fungi respectively. For these blogs, the term herbicide and pesticide can be used interchangeably, but we will use herbicide as often as possible. Methods of Control Biological Control Biological control involves using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to manage pest populations. This method leverages the natural ecosystem to keep pest levels in check without relying on synthetic chemicals. The advantages of this approach include environmental sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Biological control is not always an effective solution, however. If no pests are known or not enough research has been done to test their ecological impact biological control may not be possible. Consult with your local SWCD or extension office to learn if biological control might be right for you. Mechanical Control Mechanical control methods physically remove or block pests. Techniques include tilling the soil, hand-pulling weeds, using traps, and installing barriers like nets or fences. Another example of mechanical control would be pulling Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) seedlings in the early Spring. Mechanical control is often labor-intensive but can be highly effective for small-scale operations or specific pest problems. Cultural Control Cultural control involves modifying practices to reduce invasive plant establishment, reproduction, and survival. Techniques include crop rotation, repeated mowing, mulching, adjusting planting times, and selecting pest-resistant crop varieties. These practices create unfavorable conditions for pests, thereby reducing their impact without chemical intervention. Chemical Control Chemical control involves the application of herbicides and pesticides to manage pest populations. This method is often used when immediate and effective control is needed. While chemical control can be highly effective, it requires careful management to avoid issues such as herbicide resistance development, non-target species impact, and environmental contamination. Methods of chemical control include cut-stump herbicide application, foliar herbicide application, basal barking, and hack-and-squirt treatments. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach that combines multiple control methods to manage pest populations in an economically and ecologically sound manner. IPM principles include:
Herbicide Resistance What is it? Herbicide resistance occurs when pest populations develop the ability to survive exposure to a herbicide that was previously effective against them. This resistance arises due to genetic variation and selective pressure from repeated herbicide use, leading to the survival and reproduction of resistant individuals. How to Avoid Herbicide Resistance
Herbicide Selection When selecting herbicides there are a variety of factors that should be considered: What Are You Managing? Identify the specific weeds or pests you need to control. Different herbicides target different species, so accurate identification ensures effective management. Two major types of herbicides are broad-spectrum herbicides and selective herbicides. Broad-spectrum herbicides (Round Up) will kill most plants as long as the herbicide concentration is correct. Selective herbicides target a specific group of plants such as grasses or plants classified as broad-leaves. Using selective herbicides where possible helps us minimize unwanted effects. Environmental Concerns Consider the environmental impact of the herbicide. Choose products with low toxicity to non-target organisms, minimal soil and water contamination potential, and rapid degradation in the environment. Personal Need/Comfortability with Application Assess your comfort level and ability to apply the herbicide safely and effectively. Consider factors such as the complexity of application, required protective equipment, and potential health risks. Effective herbicide and herbicide management involves a combination of control methods, adherence to IPM principles, and careful consideration of resistance and environmental impact. By integrating biological, mechanical, cultural, and chemical controls, landowners can manage pests sustainably and responsibly. Selecting appropriate herbicides and understanding the risks associated with herbicide use are essential for maintaining and protecting the environment. For further information or assistance, contact Hamilton County SWCD. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
November 2024
Categories
All
|
|