List Of Pesticides Used For Corn And Soybean
Corn and soybeans are some of the most widely grown crops in the United States. They are used for a variety of purposes such as food, feed, and biofuels. However, pests can damage these crops, leading to significant yield loss. To prevent this, farmers use pesticides to protect their crops from pest damage.
This article will discuss the list of pesticides commonly used for corn and soybeans and their impact on the environment.
What Are Pesticides?
Pesticides are substances used to control or kill pests that can damage crops, such as insects, rodents, weeds, and fungi. Pesticides can be either synthetic or natural. Synthetic pesticides are chemicals that are artificially made, while natural pesticides are derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, and minerals.
They come in different forms, including sprays, dust, bait, and granules. Farmers use pesticides to protect their crops from pests that can reduce yields and quality.
Common Pesticides Used For Corn And Soybean
Here are some of the most common pesticides used for corn and soybeans:
Atrazine
Atrazine is a herbicide that is commonly used to control weeds in corn and soybean fields. It is effective in controlling many broadleaf and grassy weeds, including waterhemp, foxtail, and pigweed. Atrazine can be applied as a pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicide, and it is usually applied in the spring.
However, atrazine has been associated with environmental concerns due to its potential impact on aquatic life and its potential to contaminate groundwater. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level of 3 parts per billion for atrazine in drinking water.
Glyphosate
Glyphosate is a herbicide that is commonly used to control weeds in corn and soybean fields. It is applied as a post-emergent herbicide and is effective in controlling many broadleaf and grassy weeds, including pigweed, waterhemp, and giant ragweed.
Glyphosate has been a subject of controversy due to its potential health and environmental impacts. Some studies have linked glyphosate to cancer, while others have found no such link. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level of 700 parts per billion for glyphosate in drinking water.
Chlorpyrifos
Chlorpyrifos is an insecticide that is commonly used to control a wide range of insect pests in corn and soybean fields. It is effective against pests such as corn rootworms, cutworms, and Japanese beetles.
Chlorpyrifos has been a subject of controversy due to its potential health and environmental impacts. The EPA banned residential use of chlorpyrifos in 2001 due to concerns about its potential impact on children's health. In 2015, the EPA proposed to ban all uses of chlorpyrifos due to its potential impact on human health and the environment. However, the ban was later reversed by the Trump administration in 2017.
Neonicotinoids
Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides that are commonly used to control a wide range of insect pests in corn and soybean fields. They are effective against pests such as corn rootworms, wireworms, and seed corn maggot.
Neonicotinoids have been a subject of controversy due to their potential impact on pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Some studies have linked neonicotinoids to declines in pollinator populations. The EPA has restricted the use of neonicotinoids on crops that attract bees, such as cotton and citrus, but they are still widely used on other crops such as corn and soybeans.
Impact Of Pesticides On The Environment
Pesticides can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. On the one hand, pesticides can help control pests and increase crop yields, which can help feed a growing population.
On the other hand, pesticides can have negative impacts on the environment. They can contaminate soil, water, and air, leading to potential health risks for humans and wildlife. Pesticides can also harm non-target species, such as beneficial insects and pollinators, which can have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.
Conclusion
Pesticides are an essential tool for farmers to protect their crops from pests. However, they can also have negative impacts on the environment and human health. It is essential to use pesticides judiciously and to consider alternative pest control methods such as integrated pest management.
Ultimately, the goal should be to achieve a balance between protecting crops from pests and minimizing environmental and health risks.