Measurement of pesticide drift into field boundaries.

Abstract

'Non-target' field-boundary-inhabiting arthropod species can be exposed to pesticide drift. In the present study the extent of this drift into field boundaries was measured using a fluorescent spray tracer mixed with pesticide in the spray tank. Two types of field boundaries were used for the investigations; those next to fully-sprayed conventional fields and those with 6m-wide unsprayed strips between the crop and field boundary- the so called 'Conservation Headlands'. This study showed that pesticide drift can be minimised when spray applications are carried out at the recommended weather conditions also that a 6m-unsprayed zone between the crop edge and field boundary can reduce further the level of pesticide drift into field boundaries. Consequences of high or low rates of pesticide drift on 'non-target' hedgerow fauna are discussed.