Best Management Practices for Maryland Golf Courses

Application techniques and the equipment used greatly influence the amount of drift that may occur. The pesticide label should be reviewed for specific information on drift reduction techniques or requirements. The applicator must also check weather conditions such as air stability, temperature, and wind direction and speed at the time and place of the application and follow all weather-related restrictions on the label.

Environmental fate- and transport-related topics are covered in detail in the following publications:

• Chapter 7 “Pesticides in the Environment” of the Maryland Pesticide Applicator Core Manual . • Pesticide Information Leaflet No. 8: Factors Affecting Groundwater Contamination . 2012. University of Maryland Extension. • Pesticide Information Leaflet No. 9: Protecting Groundwater from Pesticides . 2012. University of Maryland Extension.

Best Management Practices

• Use drift retardants when needed to reduce spray drift by hindering formation of small, drift-prone droplets. • Consider pesticide sorption principles in selecting pesticides. • Understand site characteristics that are prone to leaching losses (e.g., sand-based putting greens, coarse-textured soils, and shallow water tables) and select pesticides for these areas that have a low leaching potential. • Understand site characteristics that are prone to runoff losses (such as steep slopes) and select pesticides for these areas with a reduced runoff potential. • Select pesticides with reduced impact on pollinators. • Select pesticides that, when applied according to the label, have no known effect on listed species or species of concern present on the facility. • Time product applications for favorable prevailing conditions. • Do not make applications during windy conditions or during temperature inversions. • Avoid using volatile pesticides. If used, follow precautionary statements on the label and do not apply during high temperatures. • Apply pesticides at the appropriate rate and prevent unintended releases. • Exercise caution when using spray adjuvants that may facilitate off-target movement. • Schedule the timing and amount of irrigation needed to water in products (unless otherwise indicated on label) without over-irrigating.

Application Equipment and Calibration

Application equipment must apply the pesticide to the intended target at the proper rate. Information on the label specifies the legal application rate and sometimes suggests the appropriate equipment for use with the product. While different kinds of application equipment are available, nearly 90% of all pesticides are formulated for spraying. The size of the equipment (tank size, boom width, etc.) should be matched to the scale of the facility. Nozzle selection and

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