Pesticide and fertilizer application is a common silvicultural management technique in some areas of Florida. Pesticides and fertilizer are usually applied near tree planting time or shortly after. Occasionally, nitrogen fertilizer and some types of pesticides may be added later in the rotation.
These chemicals generally do not pose a threat to water quality as long as they are applied according to the label and in compliance the following BMPs.
BMPs for Pesticide and Fertilizer Use
Pesticides
- Choose equipment that directs the chemical only to the target area. Misdirected or excessive amounts of pesticides are wasteful, expensive and can pose a serious threat to water quality and aquatic life.
- Do not conduct aerial application or mist blowing of pesticides or fertilizer within any part of the Primary Zone - keep drift from such operations out of the Primary Zone.
- Do not leave pesticide containers on site - these should be rinsed and disposed of according to the directions on the label.
- Do not rinse spray equipment or discharge rinse water in waterbodies, wetlands or within the Special Management Zone.
Fertilizer
- Do not apply fertilizer or locate fertilizer transfer/loading areas within the Primary Zone of the SMZ.
- Whenever practical, apply fertilizer to maximize the uptake of nutrients, which might otherwise move off-site; consider the use of slow release fertilizer when conditions are appropriate.
- For additional information on Fertilizer Use and BMPs on Fertilizer Application Limits, refer to the addendum on page 38 of this manual.
Note: Some pesticides require the applicator to be certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Also, pesticide labels may have additional restrictions for application near open waters or wetlands. Read and follow the label. Failure to comply with requirements of pesticide labels can result in civil and/or criminal penalties under state and federal law.
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