To spray or not to spray

publication date: Jun 30, 2008

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author/source: David Harris

Richard Minton, Chairman of the NAAC (National Association of Agricultural & Amenity Contractors) who offers independent professional advice and solutions for the local authority, amenity and sports turf industry, with special reference to pesticide application and waste management, has his say concerning the issues and impact on our environment of a possible pesticide ban in public places.

Imagine a world without the use of pesticides in Amenity situations, because if the industry does not meet the legislative requirements attached to pesticide application this situation could become a reality. It would certainly be very ‘green’ but for all the wrong reasons; weeds would soon dominate, plus disease and pests would devastate turf, trees and shrubs. It’s proving difficult enough to control invasive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed with the use of pesticides, without them this would be almost impossible. Alternative methods are continually being looked into, but to date there are none that are as efficient, economically viable or that match the environmental profile of properly applied pesticides.

Properly applied pesticides is where the problem lies, with the threat of a pesticide ban in public areas hanging over us it is vitally important all those applying pesticides adopt best practices and follow the legal guidelines laid down in the ‘Code of Practice for using Plant Protection Products’.

There are many good contractors, Local Authorities, greenkeepers and groundsmen who adopt best practice and meet all legal obligations, but there are also many, often through ignorance rather than flagrant disregard who are oblivious to the regulations attached to pesticide application. These are the people who will bring the amenity industry into disrepute and could ultimately lead to, at worst, a total pesticide ban in public areas or at least severe restrictions.

Its incredible how few people are aware of the EU Thematic Strategy into pesticide use and the work being undertaken by industry bodies, lobbying MEP’s, last autumn, to prevent a pesticide ban in public areas? While a ban was averted, the need to reduce and restrict pesticide use in public areas has now to be demonstrated before a further vote later this year. Surveys are being undertaken and a Pesticide Action Committee has been established to ensure best practice is adopted at all times.

Flagrant misuse of triazines (blanket spraying) led to them being banned, we did not learn our lesson and 15 years later Diuron has been withdrawn, because of the high levels found in water. Climate change is having a major impact on the growing season, with weeds germinating and growing almost all the year round. We can no longer blanket spray hard surfaces, the withdrawal of Diuron and additional weed growth, will dictate more applications of Glyphosate to attain similar levels of weed control. The only way we can demonstrate pesticide reduction is to target only the weed and minimise spray drift, this can save up to 80% product usage verses blanket spraying.

We bury our heads in the sand at our own risk; imagine how quickly areas would become invested if left untreated, as mentioned earlier we are already struggling to control invasive weeds, roads, pavements, railways would suffer damage and drains would become blocked. In addition, football pitches, cricket outfields, golf courses would soon be dominated by daisies, dandelions, plantains and many other weeds, however good the cultural practices are adopted. This would have a major impact on leisure activities.

The Amenity Assured Accreditation scheme for all those applying pesticides has been launched, all those appointing contractors should make sure the contractor is a member of this scheme, safe in the knowledge full audits have been undertaken and all qualifications met. Anyone can join this scheme, especially Local Authorities who undertake all work in-house; this is a way to ensure you are fulfilling all legal obligations. Contact BASIS or the NAAC for details

The legislation is in place, take advice from BASIS qualified personnel, preferably one on the BASIS Professional Register, use an Amenity Assured contractor or join the scheme, but at least make sure you follow the Code of Practice for the use of plant protection products. This is a statuary document, if followed you will remain within the law and avoid prosecution; failure to comply could not only lead to prosecution, but also the loss of pesticides into the future, a situation which is difficult to comprehend.