What is one way to prevent surplus pesticide waste?

Calibrating equipment for accurate application is a crucial practice in pesticide management that helps to prevent surplus pesticide waste. When equipment is properly calibrated, it ensures that the correct amount of pesticide is applied to the target area. This precision reduces the likelihood of over-application, which not only minimizes waste but also protects the environment from potential contamination and reduces the risk of harm to non-target organisms.

For instance, improper calibration can lead to situations where too much pesticide is applied to a specific area, resulting in surplus that goes unused. By ensuring that the application rate matches the needs of the crop or pest issue being addressed, the amount of pesticide remaining after application is significantly reduced.

In contrast, buying in bulk quantities could potentially lead to waste if the pesticides cannot be used before their expiration or if the applicator misjudges their needs. Storing pesticides without understanding their usage need can also result in excess waste due to deterioration or obsolescence over time. Mixing different pesticides together can be risky because it may lead to ineffective treatments, as well as potential chemical reactions that compromise efficacy, further contributing to waste.