Band Injection of Herbicides for Reducing Environmental Losses

Herbicides can be an important component for weed control in profitable crop production when selected and used properly. When herbicides are incorrectly applied, however, losses to the atmosphere, surface water, and ground water can be the result. Banding as opposed to broadcast application can reduce herbicide input, but losses of herbicides to the atmosphere during spray application can still be substantial, particularly on windy days (Tremwel, 1985). In addition, herbicide applied directly to crop residue is subject to greater volatilization losses (Burt, 1974; 1987). Crop residue with conservation tillage reduces water and sediment losses, and thus can be an effective tool for reducing herbicide runoff losses, although herbicides surface-applied to crop residue may be subject to greater volatilization and runoff losses (Baker et al., 1982; Baker and Johnson, 1979; Kenimer et al., 1987; Laflen et al., 1978)