Banding of Pesticides

Pesticides are applied to field crops to reduce insect, disease, and weed losses. In 1996, more than 97% of United States row crops, such as corn, Zea mays, and soybean Glycine max, were treated with one or more pesticides (1) that were often applied in a uniform, broadcast pattern. The extensive use of pesticides is costly and of environmental concern. Band placement of pesticides is an alternative application practice that places chemicals only over crop rows, leaving interrows untreated. Banding reduces pesticide usage in proportion to the band width; treated areas typically range from 25 to 75% of the total field acreage. Banding also reduces pesticide input costs and environmental impacts. Insecticides are band applied more commonly than herbicides. Control of pests outside the application band may still need to be accomplished. For example, cultivation and residue management are nonchemical techniques used in interrows for weed control