Simple Ways to Keep Your Farm Running

The usage of pesticides is essential for ensuring food security around the globe. In general, these chemicals are manufactured to eliminate and deter organisms that could compromise sustainable food production. Unfortunately, pesticides can leave harmful residues of the chemical and break down compounds in the edible produce. If you are involved in agriculture, you must practice caution to protect the consumers from the dangers of these residues. This consideration will ensure quality food and eliminate the risk of legal trouble. Here are some tips to remember when managing pesticide residues.

Plan for Residues Testing

You should establish a plan for residue testing and monitoring. If your agricultural set-up uses pesticides, this approach will help you determine the amount of the chemical remaining on the produce. The results are crucial for validating your pesticides usage protocols. In simple terms, you will have confirmation that the residues are below the minimum legal limit and harmless to consumers. Also, testing is an ideal way to check the quantity of the pesticide residues identified over time during production cycles. This practice will help in improving the procedures for safer food. Therefore, consult a specialist for sampling and laboratory analysis to ensure the production of actionable results.

Consider Alternative Control

The chemicals used in pest control are deemed safe enough for agricultural applications. However, you should consider alternative methods to reduce the presence of pests. This consideration is particularly crucial when dealing with crops that are highly susceptible to contamination like vegetables, herbs and fruits. You can reduce residues by using other control approaches independently or concurrently. For example, if you are dealing with large pests like rodents, consider physical control methods like traps. When dealing with insects, use biological control methods like attracting birds. Additionally, inquire about the cultural methods used for your crop type or in your local area. Determine its suitability for your food production set-up.

Choose Suitable Pesticides

Alternative pest control is not practical for most commercial agricultural operations because of large-scale farming. However, you can minimise the total residues by choosing the right products for your minimal contamination. The selection process should begin with the evaluation and comparison of the different pesticides on the market. Check the product label for the specific chemicals and the indicated toxicity level. If you are uncertain about the different compounds incorporated in pesticides, discuss with an agricultural chemicals specialist or your supplier. Avoid volatile, restricted and highly toxic compounds, and follow the label guidelines for safe application.