Agricultural Chemicals

Pesticides and herbicides - Do You?

• Keep product in original containers
• Keep lids secure and closed tightly to prevent spills and evaporation
• Store containers in an area where they won't corrode (not directly on the ground). Store over spill containing pallets when possible.
• Know that any water contaminated with such waste becomes waste itself.
• Teach students proper and efficient application and cleanup techniques.
• Keep in mind that dry chemicals are safer to store and easier to clean up.
• Buy only what you need.
• Always follow recommended application rates.

Fertilizers - Do You?

• Keep product in original containers.
• Keep lids secure and closed tightly to prevent spills and evaporation.
• Store containers in an area where they won't corrode (not directly on the ground). Store over spill containing pallets when possible.
• Know that any water contaminated with such waste becomes waste itself.
• Teach students proper and efficient application and cleanup techniques.
• Keep in mind that dry chemicals are safer to store and easier to clean up.
• Buy only what you need.
• Always follow recommended application rates.
• Consider testing the soil you intend to plant to determine the exact nutrient or fertilizer needs for your plot as a lab activity in itself. Interpret the results with the class. (Call the Extension Service for soil testing information.)

Plant Material

Dead plants and clippings - Do You?

• Compost plant material for introduction into the soil. (Your local Extension office can provide you with literature and instructions.)
• Choose composting over burning as a means of use or disposal.

Weeds - Do You?

• Be careful handling weeds as they are a very serious environmental threat
• Contact your local Extension office for information on noxious weeds in your area
• Get local information on disposal and handling as they can vary from area to area.

Water and Soil Quality

Local water run-off - Do You?

• Consider soil type in area of application. (Chemicals travel faster and easier through sand and gravel, so soil type may affect application rate.)
• Consider distance to surface water and take care not to contaminate it.
• Remember never to apply chemical when a rain storm may wash it all into a water source.

Mixing area - Do You?

• Remember never to mix pesticides up slope from/or within 100 feet of a well
• Mix near storage area to minimize the amount of transportation of bulk chemicals.
• Always mix over some sort of containment basin or sealed concrete pad.