Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive

Mary Roache, Teagasc

The sustainable use of pesticides directives governs the use of products in this country. As weather and land conditions improve and the growing season kicks off farmers may be looking at controlling weeds on their farm. This may be done through the use of chemicals or preferably where possible control may be achieved through non chemical methods. The control without chemicals is a cheaper more sustainable option especially on extensive farms and will not have the negative impact on water we see with pesticide use.

Some Non-Chemical methods of control

Good grazing management and appropriate stocking rates.

Taking a soil test and applying nutrients required.

Appropriate drainage if required.

Use of a topper/mower for weed control.

If however you decide to use pesticides then be aware of the regulations and how they will apply to your situation as there have been some changes in recent times.

• The person applying pesticides must be appropriately trained and also registered up with the Department of Agriculture who will issue them with a PU (Professional User) number.
• A person who carries out weed licking on a farm other than their own must have a Lantra Level 2 course completed.
• Since September 2019 the initial test for all types of Pesticide Application Equipment (PAE) falls due when the equipment is 3 years old.
• There will be mandatory testing of weed lickers and all boom sprayers even those with a width of less than 3m (quad sprayers) from the end of December 2020.

As always when using sprays you must read the product label carefully as this tells you what it is used for, application rates and which equipment it is licenced for use in. It will also tell you what buffer zone applies. For your own health and safety always wear your personal protective equipment when handling or applying pesticides or any other chemical.

Unfortunately we continue to see declines in water quality in areas where pesticides are not used in the appropriate manner. While the main culprit is MCPA which is commonly used to control rushes there is quiet often a mix of other pesticides also detected. The onus is on everyone to protect all water sources if they choose to use pesticides.

Always Ensure That

• There is no heavy rain forecast for 48 hours
• Ground conditions are good, no standing water in the field
• Rates of application are not exceeded
• The correct method of application is used (e.g. only boom sprayer for MCPA)
• There are calm conditions if applying product using a boom sprayer
• Buffer zones are observed (e.g. a 5m buffer zone for MCPA)
• Empty containers are triple rinsed before being disposed of properly
• You never fill your sprayer from a watercourse

Pesticides on farm should be stored in a dedicated locked store which is bunded and ventilated and has a warning sign. Records of use for all products must be maintained, these record sheets were posted out to farmers along with their BPS maps this year. Maintaining  quality water is in everybody’s interest.