Catchment scale risk-mitigation experiences - key issues for reducing pesticide transport to surface waters

摘要

A monitoring project was initiated in 1990 aimed at investigating pesticide sources, pathways and occurrence in stream water within an agricultural catchment. The work was carried out in close co-operation with the farmers operating in the selected area. Since 1995, farmers in the catchment have received extensive information regarding best management practises for pesticides adapted to local conditions on the farm. The program has continued during the entire 1990's. The results demonstrate a considerable reduction in overall pesticide findings in the stream, with concentrations down by more than 90%. The most notable decrease in concentration levels and transported amounts occurred in 1995, coinciding with the onset of the site specific informationefforts. The decreasing levels of pesticides in stream water from the catchment area can primarily be attributed to an increased awareness amongst the farmers on better routines for the correct handling of spraying equipment and application procedures,including the practice of total weed killing on farmyards.