nutrient and pest management considerations in conservation

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Nutrient and Pest Management

Nutrient and Pest ManagementConsiderations in Conservation

Planning

Student Workbook

Modules 16

Self-Paced Study Guide

National Employee Development CenterNatural Resources Conservation ServiceUnited States Department of Agriculture

June 2001

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Mention of trademarked or copyrighted items or equipment in thisworkbook does not constitute endorsement by the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibitsdiscrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, nationalorigin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital orfamily status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Personswith disabilities who require alternative means for communication ofprogram information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contactthe USDA Office of Communications at (202) 720-5881 (voice) or(202) 720-7808 (TDD).

To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Departmentof Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, or call (202) 720-7327 (voice)or (202) 720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunityemployer.

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Acknowledgement

Special thanks are extended to the following specialists fortheir assistance in the designing and developing of this training program:

Design/Development Team

James C. Wood, Water Quality Specialist, NRCS, Boise, ID

Stefanie G. Aschmann, Ph.D., Agroecologist, NRCS Watershed Science Institute,University of Nebraska, USFS-East Campus, Lincoln, NE

Joseph K. Bagdon, Pest Management Specialist, National Water and Climate Center,NRCS, Amherst, MA

Sam H. Davis, Hydrologist, NRCS, Vicksburg, MS

Dave Drennan, Employee Development Specialist, National Employee DevelopmentCenter, Fort Worth, TX

Bill Donham, Conservation Agronomist, NRCS, Stephenville, TX

Eric Hesketh, Soil Scientist/Pest Management Specialist, National Water and ClimateCenter, NRCS, Amherst, MA

Bill Kuenstler, Agronomist, National Cartography and Geospatial Center, NRCS,Fort Worth, TX

Jerry Lemunyon, Ph.D., Nutrient and Pest Management Specialist, NRCS,(located at GLTI), Temple, TX

Ken Pfeiffer, Pest Management Specialist, National Water and Climate Center, NRCS,Portland, OR

Brett L. Roberts, Water Quality Specialist, NRCS, Champaign, IL

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Special thanks are extended to the following for their contributions to the developmentof the instructional materials:

Doug Beegle, Ph.D., Professor, Penn State University, University Park, PA

Edward J. Bechinski, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Extension IPM Coordinator,University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

Jeffrey Jenkins, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Robert Stevens, Ph.D., Professor, Washington State University, Prosser, WA

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Table of Contents

Module 1Introduction to Nutrient and Pest ManagementComponents of a Conservation Plan 1Overall Learning Objective ............................................................. 1Supporting Objectives ................................................................... 1Introduction .................................................................................. 2NRCS Mission in Nutrient and Pest Management ............................. 3NRCS Nutrient Management.......................................................... 5NRCS Pest Management ............................................................... 5Student Activity 1.......................................................................... 7Nutrient and Pest Management Policy ............................................. 8

1) NRCS Nutrient Management Policy ....................................... 82) Draft NRCS Pest Management Policy .................................. 173) USDA Policy for Ground Water Quality ................................ 224) NRCS Water Quality Policy ................................................. 225) The National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH) ........... 286) Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) Section IV .................... 28

Student Activity 2........................................................................ 31Summary ................................................................................... 33Activity Answers ......................................................................... 35

Student Activity 1................................................................... 35Student Activity 2................................................................... 36

Attachment 1, Part 402Nutrient Management............................ 39Attachment 2, Part 404Pest Management ................................. 53

Module 2Pesticides and Nutrients in the Environment 1Overall Learning Objective ............................................................. 1Introduction .................................................................................. 1

Module 2, Part ANutrients and the Environment 3Supporting Objectives ................................................................... 3Introduction .................................................................................. 4Pollutant Delivery .......................................................................... 4Impacts of Nutrients on Receiving Waterbodies ................................ 7

Eutrophication Process ............................................................. 7Student Activity 1........................................................................ 13

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Nutrients of Concern and Environmental Risk................................ 17Carbon ................................................................................. 17Nitrogen................................................................................ 18

Student Activity 2........................................................................ 25Phosphorus ........................................................................... 27

Student Activity 3........................................................................ 35Potassium.............................................................................. 37Sulfur .................................................................................... 39

Student Activity 4........................................................................ 41Salts ..................................................................................... 43Management Techniques ........................................................ 46

Student Activity 5........................................................................ 47Heavy Metals ......................................................................... 49

Student Activity 6........................................................................ 53Group Activity 1Optional ......................................................... 54

Module 2, Part BPesticides: Human and EnvironmentalHealth 55Supporting Objectives ................................................................. 55Introduction ................................................................................ 55

Module 2, Part B, Section 1FIFRA Risk/Benefit Statute 57Supporting Objectives ................................................................. 57Introduction ................................................................................ 57Registration ................................................................................ 57

EPA fact sheet on pesticide registration .................................... 59Excerpts from RED document for Alachlor ............................... 61Ecological Risk Assessment ..................................................... 61Risk Mitigation ....................................................................... 61

Student Activity 7........................................................................ 63

Module 2, Part B, Section 2Fate of Pesticides inthe Environment 65Supporting Objectives ................................................................. 65Introduction ................................................................................ 66Pollution Sources ........................................................................ 66Student Activity 8........................................................................ 69

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Environmental Fate: Understanding Pesticide Persistenceand Mobility................................................................................ 71Pesticide Persistence ................................................................... 75Pesticide Mobility ........................................................................ 78Plant Uptake .............................................................................. 83Volatilization ............................................................................... 84Runoff and Leaching ................................................................... 87

Estimating Runoff and Leaching .............................................. 87Student Activity 9........................................................................ 93

Module 2, Part B, Section 3Pesticide Toxicity 97Supporting Objectives ................................................................. 97Introduction ................................................................................ 97Poisons and Toxicity .................................................................... 98Dose-Response Relationships ..................................................... 100Manifestations of Toxic Effects ................................................... 106Carcinogen Testing ................................................................... 109

Epidemiological studies in human populations......................... 110Laboratory animal studies ..................................................... 110

Student Activity 10.................................................................... 113Acute Toxicity: Effects of Exposure to Cholinesterase-Inhibiting Pesticides ................................................................... 117

Mode of Action .................................................................... 117Chlorinated derivatives of nicotine: imidacloprid...................... 120Effects of overexposure to cholinesterase inhibiting pesticides .. 120

Endocrine Disrupters ................................................................. 121Student Activity 11.................................................................... 123Exposure Pathways: Humans ..................................................... 125Pesticide Drinking Water Standards ............................................ 126Inhalation Exposure ................................................................... 128Dermal Exposure ...................................................................... 128

Primary Irritant Dermititis ..................................................... 129Allergic Contact Dermatitis ................................................... 130

Worker Protection Standard ....................................................... 131What is a MSDS? ................................................................. 132Pesticide Information Profiles ................................................ 132

Student Activity 12.................................................................... 133Group Activity 2Optional ....................................................... 134

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Module 2, Part B, Section 4Ecological Effects 135Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 135Introduction .............................................................................. 135The Organization of Ecosystems................................................. 136Adverse Effects on Ecosystems ................................................... 137Adverse Ecological Effects on Communities ................................. 139Adverse Effects on Species ........................................................ 140Exposure Scenarios: Wildlife ...................................................... 141Bioaccumulation ....................................................................... 142

Uptake ................................................................................ 146Storage ............................................................................... 146Elimination .......................................................................... 147Factors Affecting Bioaccumulation ......................................... 149

Student Activity 13.................................................................... 151References ............................................................................... 154Activity Answers ....................................................................... 155

Student Activity 1................................................................. 155Student Activity 2................................................................. 159Student Activity 3................................................................. 160Student Activity 4................................................................. 162Student Activity 5................................................................. 163Student Activity 6................................................................. 164Group Activity 1 .................................................................. 166Student Activity 7................................................................. 167Student Activity 8................................................................. 169Student Activity 9................................................................. 170Student Activity 10............................................................... 174Student Activity 11............................................................... 176Student Activity 12............................................................... 177Group Activity 2Optional .................................................. 178Student Activity 13............................................................... 179

Module 3The Science of Nutrient and Pest Management 1Overall Learning Objective ............................................................. 1Introduction: Systems, Ecosystems andAgro-Ecosystems........................................................................... 1

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Module 3, Part A, Section 1General Principles ofPlant Growth 5Supporting Objective ..................................................................... 5Introduction: Essential Components for Plant Growth....................... 5

Plant Growth Stages................................................................. 8Germination ....................................................................... 9Seedling development.......................................................... 9Vegetative development ....................................................... 9Flowering/Fruiting ............................................................ 10Senescence ...................................................................... 10Plant Nutrient Uptake ........................................................ 10


Module 3, Part BRole of Soils in Nutrient andPest Management 15Supporting Objective ................................................................... 15Introduction ................................................................................ 15Soil Texture ................................................................................ 15Soil Structure .............................................................................. 17Organic Matter ........................................................................... 18Subsurface Color and High Water Tables ...................................... 18Soil Reaction .............................................................................. 19Cation Exchange Capacity ........................................................... 20Soil Depth .................................................................................. 21Soil Variability ............................................................................. 22Student Activity 2........................................................................ 23

Module 3, Part CEssential Plant Nutrients 25Supporting Objectives ................................................................. 25Introduction ................................................................................ 25Macronutrients ............................................................................ 27Secondary Nutrients .................................................................... 29Micronutrients ............................................................................ 30Nutrient Toxicities ....................................................................... 32Student Activity 3........................................................................ 35

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Module 3, Part DNutrient Cycles 37Supporting Objectives ................................................................. 37Introduction ................................................................................ 37Nitrogen..................................................................................... 38Phosphorus ................................................................................ 45Potassium................................................................................... 48Sulfur ......................................................................................... 49Carbon ...................................................................................... 51Student Activity 4........................................................................ 53

Module 3, Part ENutrient Management 57Supporting Objectives ................................................................. 57Introduction ................................................................................ 57Nutrient Cycling and Farming Systems .......................................... 58

Cash Grain Enterprise ............................................................ 59Crop and Livestock Enterprise ................................................ 60Concentrated Animal Enterprises ............................................ 61Recreational Enterprises ......................................................... 63

Crop Rotations and Systems ........................................................ 64Student Activity 5........................................................................ 67Balancing Crop/Rotation Nutrient Applications withNutrient Requirements ................................................................. 69Nutrient Monitoring in Agriculture ................................................ 70

Water Testing ........................................................................ 71Plant Tissue Testing................................................................ 73

Student Activity 6........................................................................ 77Soil Testing............................................................................ 79Sampling ............................................................................... 79

Student Activity 7........................................................................ 83Analysis ................................................................................ 85Interpretation ......................................................................... 86

Student Activity 8........................................................................ 93Interpreting Soil Tests for Environmental Concerns ................... 95Recommendations ................................................................. 96

Student Activity 9........................................................................ 99Organic Waste Testing ............................................................... 101

Manure Nutrient Analysis ...................................................... 101Collecting Manure Samples for Nutrient Management ............. 102

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Student Activity 10.................................................................... 105Group Activity 1Optional ....................................................... 106

Module 3, Part FNutrient Application Management 109Supporting Objective ................................................................. 109Introduction .............................................................................. 109Application Rate ....................................................................... 109Nutrient Form........................................................................... 110

Inorganic fertilizers ............................................................... 110Nitrogen fertilizers ........................................................... 110Phosphorus fertilizers ...................................................... 113Potassium fertilizers ......................................................... 114Blended fertilizers ............................................................ 115Fluid fertilizers................................................................. 115

Organic Nutrient Sources...................................................... 116Manure nitrogen ............................................................. 117Manure phosphorus ........................................................ 119Manure potassium ........................................................... 119

Student Activity 11.................................................................... 121Application Timing ................................................................... 123Method of Application ............................................................... 126

Nitrogen incorporation ......................................................... 126Nitrogen application methods................................................ 126Phosphorus Placement ......................................................... 128Foliar fertilization ................................................................. 133

Student Activity 12.................................................................... 135Group Activity 2Optional ....................................................... 137References ............................................................................... 139

Module 3, Part G, Section 1Introduction to Integrated PestManagement, Meet the Pests 141Instructions to the Student ......................................................... 141Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 141Major Pest Groups of Agricultural andHorticultural Crops .................................................................... 142Student Activity 13.................................................................... 145Group Activity 3Optional ....................................................... 146

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Module 3, Part G, Section 2Definition and Goals 147Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 147Integrated Pest Management ...................................................... 147

Prevention ........................................................................... 155Avoidance ........................................................................... 155Monitoring .......................................................................... 156Suppression......................................................................... 156

Student Activity 14.................................................................... 157

Module 3, Part G, Section 3Alternative Approachesto IPM 159Supporting Objective ................................................................. 159Definitions ................................................................................ 159Examples ................................................................................. 160Student Activity 15.................................................................... 167

Module 3, Part G, Section 4Historical Perspective:Why do we need IPM? 169Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 169Student Activity 16.................................................................... 179

Module 3, Part G, Section 5Five Common-SenseIPM Principles 181Supporting Objective ................................................................. 181Student Activity 17.................................................................... 183

Module 3, Part G, Section 6Overview of PestManagement Practices 185Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 185Introduction .............................................................................. 185Step 1: Alternatives to Pesticides ................................................ 186

Cultural Methods .................................................................. 186Pest-Resistant Varieties ......................................................... 188Biological Control ................................................................ 189

Step 2: Field Scouting, Pest Forecasts and Thresholds .................. 199Introduction ......................................................................... 199Checking the Pulse: Field Scouting and Predicting................... 200Decision Rules ..................................................................... 209

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Step 3: Site-Specific Pesticide Selection ...................................... 210Student Activity 18.................................................................... 213

Module 3, Part G, Section 7Putting It All Together:A Recap and an Example 217Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 217Management Strategies ............................................................. 217Current Issues and the Future ..................................................... 222Student Activity 19.................................................................... 225

Module 3, Part G, Section 8USDA NationalIPM Initiative 227Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 227Food for Thought ...................................................................... 233References ............................................................................... 234

Module 3, Part HPesticides 235Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 235Classes ..................................................................................... 235Chemistry................................................................................. 236

Herbicides ........................................................................... 237Insecticides .......................................................................... 238Fungicides ........................................................................... 239

Formulations ............................................................................ 239Formulation types ................................................................ 240Emusifiable Concentrates (EC or E) ........................................ 240Solutions (S) ........................................................................ 242

Ready-To-Use (RTU) [Low Concentration Solutions] ........... 242Concentrate Solutions (C or LC) ....................................... 243Ultralow-Volume (ULV) .................................................... 243Aerosols (A) .................................................................... 244

Dry Formulations ................................................................. 245Dusts (D) ........................................................................ 245Poisonous Baits .............................................................. 246Granules (G) ................................................................... 247Pellets (P or PS) .............................................................. 248Wettable or Soluble Powders (WP or SP) ........................... 248Microencapsulated Pesticides (M) ...................................... 249Water-Dispersible Granules (Dry Flowables) ....................... 250

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Fumigants ........................................................................... 250Adjuvants ................................................................................. 251Mode of Action ......................................................................... 253

Insecticides .......................................................................... 253Herbicides ........................................................................... 254Fungicides ........................................................................... 255

Application Timing ................................................................... 255Herbicides ........................................................................... 255Insecticides .......................................................................... 256Fungicides ........................................................................... 257

Student Activity 20.................................................................... 259References ............................................................................... 261Nutrient ManagementActivity Answers .................................... 263

Student Activity 1................................................................. 263Student Activity 2................................................................. 265Student Activity 3................................................................. 266Student Activity 4................................................................. 268Student Activity 5................................................................. 273Student Activity 6................................................................. 275Student Activity 7................................................................. 276Student Activity 8................................................................. 277Student Activity 9................................................................. 278Student Activity 10............................................................... 279Group Activity 1Optional .................................................. 280Student Activity 11............................................................... 284Student Activity 12............................................................... 286Group Activity 2Optional .................................................. 287

Pest ManagementActivity Answers .......................................... 297Student Activity 13............................................................... 297Group Activity 3Optional .................................................. 298Student Activity 14............................................................... 298Student Activity 15............................................................... 300Student Activity 16............................................................... 301Student Activity 17............................................................... 302Student Activity 18............................................................... 302Student Activity 19............................................................... 306Student Activity 20............................................................... 308

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Module 4The Influence of Climate and Water Managementon Nutrient and Pest Management Planning 1Overall Learning Objective ............................................................. 1Introduction .................................................................................. 1

Module 4, Part AForces and Impacts of Climate 3Supporting Objectives ................................................................... 3Introduction .................................................................................. 3Precipitation ................................................................................. 3Wind ............................................................................................ 4Temperature ................................................................................. 4Atmospheric Pressure .................................................................... 4Solar Radiation ............................................................................. 5Student Activity 1.......................................................................... 7Important Impacts of Climate on Nutrients and Pesticides ................. 9

Transport of excess water via runoff and gravity flow ................... 9Volatilization by Wind and Temperature ..................................... 9Wetting and Drying ................................................................ 10Movement of odors by atmospheric pressure and wind .............. 12Drift of material from the target site ......................................... 15Frozen and snow covered soil surface ...................................... 15

Student Activity 2........................................................................ 17Prediction of Climatic Forces ........................................................ 19

Water .................................................................................... 19Temperature .......................................................................... 20Wind ..................................................................................... 20Atmospheric Pressure ............................................................. 21Radiation............................................................................... 21

Student Activity 3........................................................................ 23Sources of Climatic Data ............................................................. 25Student Activity 4........................................................................ 27Using Climate Data to Plan Nutrient andPest Management ....................................................................... 29Student Activity 5........................................................................ 31

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Module 4, Part BWater Managements Influence onNutrient and Pest Management 33Supporting Objectives ................................................................. 33Introduction ................................................................................ 33Current NRCS Planning and Management Guidance ...................... 34Pollution Process......................................................................... 35Student Activity 6........................................................................ 39Water Management Planning Accounts ......................................... 41Water Management-Irrigation (Irrigation Impactsto Water Quality) ......................................................................... 43

Soils ..................................................................................... 43Soil Infiltration/Intake Rate ..................................................... 44Surface Irrigation ................................................................... 44Sprinkler Irrigation ................................................................. 45Soil Structure ......................................................................... 47Examples of Soil Structure ...................................................... 48Soil Bulk Density .................................................................... 49Soil Pore Space ..................................................................... 49Soil Water Holding Capacity ................................................... 50Soil-Water Potential................................................................ 50

Student Activity 7........................................................................ 57Nitrogen in Irrigation Water ......................................................... 59Student Activity 8........................................................................ 61Irrigation Water Requirement and Management Basics ................... 63

Crop Evapotranspiration......................................................... 63Management Allowable Depletion ........................................... 63Irrigation Frequency ............................................................... 66

Student Activity 9........................................................................ 67Net Versus Gross Application Requirement.................................... 69

Net Irrigation Requirement ...................................................... 69Gross Irrigation Requirement................................................... 69

Student Activity 10...................................................................... 71Reduced Irrigation Means and Methods ......................................... 73Student Activity 11...................................................................... 75Water ManagementDrainage .................................................... 77Student Activity 12...................................................................... 83Water ManagementWater Level Control .................................... 85Student Activity 13...................................................................... 87Activity Answers ......................................................................... 89

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Student Activity 1................................................................... 89Student Activity 2................................................................... 89Student Activity 3................................................................... 91Student Activity 4................................................................... 91Student Activity 5................................................................... 92Student Activity 6................................................................... 92Student Activity 7................................................................... 93Student Activity 8................................................................... 93Student Activity 9................................................................... 93Student Activity 10................................................................. 94Student Activity 11................................................................. 94Student Activity 12................................................................. 95Student Activity 13................................................................. 96

Module 5Natural Resource Planning for Nutrient andPest Management 1Instructions to the Student ............................................................. 1Overall Learning Objective ............................................................. 1Introduction .................................................................................. 1

Module 5, Part AGuidance Documents andPlanning Approaches 3Supporting Objective ..................................................................... 3Introduction .................................................................................. 3NRCS National Planning Procedures Handbook .............................. 4Field Office Technical Guide ........................................................... 7What is a Resource Management System? ....................................... 9Human Considerations .................................................................. 9Conservation Practice Physical Effects (CPPE) ............................... 14Student Activity 1........................................................................ 17

Module 5, Part BEnvironmental Concerns Related toNutrient and Pest Management 19Supporting Objective ................................................................... 19Introduction ................................................................................ 19Water Quality Standards and Nutrient andPest Management ....................................................................... 21

Uses ..................................................................................... 21

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Agricultural Chemical Pathways ............................................... 24Water Quality Criteria ............................................................. 27Special Water Resource Classifications ..................................... 29

Implementing Water Quality Standards ......................................... 30Assessing Water Quality and Identifying Water QualityLimited or Impaired Waterbodies ............................................. 30TMDLs ................................................................................. 31

Source Water Assessment Plan for PublicWater Systems ............................................................................ 32

NRCS/State Nutrient and Pest Management Practices .............. 32Student Activity 2........................................................................ 35

Module 5, Part CWater Resource Vulnerability 37Supporting Objectives ................................................................. 37Introduction ................................................................................ 38Intrinsic Soil Factors for Runoff, Erosion and Leaching ................... 40

Hydraulic Loading .................................................................. 46Soil Sorption Potential ............................................................ 46

Assessment of Soil Sensitivity (Ground Water)Summary............... 49Factors that Influence Ground Water Quality.................................. 50

Intrinsic Vulnerability/Sensitivity ............................................. 50Management (Extrinsic) ........................................................... 53

Soil Impacts on Surface Water VulnerabilitySummary.................. 54Other Surface Water Vulnerability Factors (Intrinsic) .................. 56Management (Extrinsic) ........................................................... 57

Water Quality Vulnerability Assessment Tools andConservation Planning................................................................. 59Student Activity 3........................................................................ 61

Module 5, Part DEnvironmentalRisk Analysis: Evaluating How Different ConservationAlternatives May Negatively Impact the Ecosystem 67Overview .................................................................................... 67What is risk? ............................................................................... 68Scope ........................................................................................ 69

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Module 5, Part D, Section 1Environmental Risk Analysis:Nutrient Management, Hazards and Risks from NutrientManagement Activities 71Supporting Objectives ................................................................. 71Introduction ................................................................................ 71Risk Involved in Nutrient Management .......................................... 73

Module 5, Part D, Section 2Environmental Risk Analysis:Nutrient Management, Nutrient Risk Analysis Tools 75Supporting Objectives ................................................................. 75Introduction to the Phosphorus Index............................................ 75The Phosphorus IndexA Phosphorus Assessment Tool .................................................... 77

Phosphorus Concerns in the Environment ................................ 77Phosphorus Movement Factors ............................................... 77Phosphorus Movement in the Landscape ................................. 78The Concept ......................................................................... 79Interpretations of Site Vulnerability Ratings for the P Index ........ 85Furrow Irrigation Erosion Site Characteristics............................ 89Precautions in the Use of the Phosphorus Index ....................... 91Alternative Approaches for Use of the Phosphorus Index .......... 92Future Development of the Phosphorus Index........................... 94Phosphorus Index Core Team (PICT) Development ................... 94Use of the Phosphorus Index in the Natural ResourcesConservation Service .............................................................. 95Use of the Phosphorus IndexAn Example ............................. 96

Introduction to the Leaching Index............................................. 100Guidelines for leaching assessment ........................................ 101Use of the Leaching Index in the Natural ResourcesConservation Service ............................................................ 102

Use of the Leaching IndexAn Example .......................... 102Student Activity 4...................................................................... 105

Module 5, Part D, Section 3Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, Hazards and Risks from Pest ManagementActivities 111Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 111

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Module 5, Part D, Section 4 Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, Hazards and Risks from Non-ChemicalPest Management Activities 117Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 117

Module 5, Part D, Section 5Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, Hazards and Risks from Pesticides 121Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 121

Module 5, Part D, Section 6 Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, NRCS Role in PesticideRisk Analysis 129Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 129Introduction .............................................................................. 129

Module 5, Part D, Section 7Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, NRCS Pesticide Risk Screening/Analysis Tools 135Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 135Introduction .............................................................................. 135Tiered Screening Tools: The Theory ........................................... 136

How Accurate Are Our Risk Analysis Tools ......................... 138

Module 5, Part D, Section 8Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, Environmental Hazards and BMPsListed on Pesticide Labels 141Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 141Student Activity 5...................................................................... 143

Module 5, Part D, Section 9Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, Targeting Pesticide Risk Analysis:Determining What Areas May Need the Most Assistance 147Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 147Introduction .............................................................................. 147Pesticide Environmental Risk Analysis Tools ................................ 148

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Module 5, Part D, Section 10Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, Pesticide Toxicity Thresholds Used inWIN-PST and NAPRA 155Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 155Chronic Human Carcinogen Level (CHCL*) ................................ 157Health Advisory (HA*) ............................................................... 157Level of Concern (LOC)............................................................. 158Maximum Acceptable Toxicant Concentration (MATC*) ................ 158Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) ........................................... 158Sediment Toxicity Value (STV*) .................................................. 158

Module 5, Part D, Section 11 Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, Using Field Level Risk Analysis Tools 161Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 161Introduction .............................................................................. 161Using WIN-PST ........................................................................ 162

WIN-PSTNRCS Pesticide Environmental RiskScreening Tool ..................................................................... 163Background on SPISP .......................................................... 163Interpreting the WIN-PST hazard ratings ................................ 165

Module 5, Part D, Section 12Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, Example: Using WIN-PST Reports 169Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 169Using the WIN-PST Reports for Planning .................................... 169

Interpreting the Results ......................................................... 172Products vs. Active Ingredients .............................................. 172Behind the WIN-PST Hazard Ratings ..................................... 174

Module 5, Part D, Section 13 Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, Supporting IPM in the Development of thePest Management Component of a Conservation Plan 179Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 179

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Module 5, Part D, Section 14 Environmental Risk Analysis:Pest Management, Using NAPRA as a Decision Toolin Planning 183Supporting Objectives ............................................................... 183Introduction .............................................................................. 183Pesticide Risk Analysis at the Ft. Hall Indian Reservation, ID ......... 186

Background ......................................................................... 186NAPRA in New York ................................................................. 190Student Activity 6...................................................................... 195References ............................................................................... 207Activity Answers ....................................................................... 209

Student Activity 1................................................................. 209Student Activity 2................................................................. 210Student Activity 3................................................................. 216Student Activity 4................................................................. 222Student Activity 5................................................................. 226Student Activity 6................................................................. 229

Module 6Planning and Applying Nutrient andPest Management 1Overall Learning Objective ............................................................. 1Introduction .................................................................................. 1

Module 6, Part ANutrient Management Component of aConservation Plan 3Supporting Objective ..................................................................... 3Nutrient Management Component ................................................. 3How To Fill Out the Nutrient Management Job Sheet....................... 4

General Information ................................................................. 4Purpose .................................................................................. 5Job sketch ............................................................................... 5Crop Sequence/Rotation .......................................................... 5Expected Yield ......................................................................... 6Current Soil Test Levels ............................................................ 6Recommended Nutrients/Amendments to Meet Expected Yield ... 6Nutrient SourcesCredits ......................................................... 7

Nitrogen Credits ................................................................. 8Plant Available Nutrients Applied to the Field.............................. 9Nutrient Status ....................................................................... 10

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Recommended Method and Timing of Application .................... 11Operation and Maintenance .................................................... 11Additional Specifications and Notes ......................................... 13


Module 6, Part BPest Management Component of aConservation Plan 27Supporting Objective ................................................................... 27Pest Management Component ..................................................... 27Guidelines for Completing the Pest Management AlternativesWorksheet, Pest Management Alternatives Selected by theProducer summary sheet, and the Pest Management Narrative ...... 28Student Activity 3........................................................................ 41

Module 6, Part CIntegrating Nutrient and PestManagement with Other Conservation Practices toReduce Environmental Impacts 43Supporting Objective ................................................................... 43Introduction ................................................................................ 43Management FactorsField Loss Reduction .................................. 45Rate/Formulation ....................................................................... 46

Lower Rate Feasibility ............................................................ 46Partial Substitution ................................................................. 47Partial Treatment ................................................................... 48Choice of Formulation ............................................................ 49Soil Erodibility Special Restrictions........................................... 49

Method and Timing of Application ............................................... 50Soil Incorporation .................................................................. 50

Tillage Systems ........................................................................... 52No-Till .................................................................................. 52Conservation Tillage ............................................................... 53

Water Management ..................................................................... 54Subsurface Drainage .............................................................. 54Surface Sealing/Compaction .................................................. 55Irrigation ............................................................................... 55

Cropping ................................................................................... 56Strip Cropping....................................................................... 56Crop Rotation ....................................................................... 57

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Management FactorsField-to-Stream Transport Reduction ........... 58Structures ................................................................................... 59

Terraces/detention ponds ....................................................... 59Constructed Wetlands ............................................................. 60

Landscape Reconfiguration .......................................................... 61Buffer Strips .......................................................................... 61Mixing/Loading/Handling Set-Backs ....................................... 62Vegetative filter strip ............................................................... 62Grassed Waterways ................................................................ 63

Summary of Mitigation Options .................................................... 63Student Activity 3........................................................................ 73References ................................................................................. 75Activity Answers ......................................................................... 77

Student Activity 1................................................................... 77Student Activity 2................................................................... 78Student Activity 3................................................................... 78

Glossary 1

Module 1Intro. to Nutrient and Pest Mgmt. Components of a Conservation Plan 1

Nutrient and Pest ManagementNutrient and Pest Management

Module 1Introduction to Nutrient andPest Management Components of a

Conservation Plan

Overall Learning Objective

Describe your role in nutrient and pest management, and thepolicies, rules, and regulations that impact nutrient and pestmanagement components of a Conservation Plan at the ResourceManagement System level.

Supporting Objectives

Explain NRCS responsibilities in nutrient management.

Explain NRCS responsibilities in pest management.

List major policies and regulations that relate to nutrientmanagement planning and explain their significance.

List major policies and regulations that relate to pestmanagement planning and explain their significance.

Explain the importance of environmental risk analysis as itrelates to nutrient management.

Explain the importance of environmental risk analysis as itrelates to pest management.

2 Module 1 June 2001


Introduction

Resource conservation, restoration, and sustained use are theprimary goals of NRCS assistance. This is accomplished withconservation planning at the Resource Management System (RMS)level. Nutrient and pest management are critical components ofan RMS. Inadequate nutrient and pest management can limit cropquantity and quality. Improper use of nutrients, pesticides andnon-chemical pest control techniques, can negatively impact non-target plant and animal species.

Nutrients, pesticides and non-chemical pest control can haveunintentional impacts both in the field where they are applied andin soil, water, and air whenever contaminants are transportedfrom the field. Ground and surface water quality impairment dueto non-point source nutrient and pesticide contamination isa major concern in many agricultural areas. Non-chemical pestmanagement can also have potential environmental risks. Forexample, cultivation for weed control and burying or burningcrop residue for disease and insect control can negatively impactsoil, air and water resources. To adequately address theseenvironmental risks, conservation planning must include nutrientand pest management components that minimize negative impactsto all identified resource concerns. For sensitive sites, conservationplans must also include appropriate mitigation strategies likefilter strips, riparian forest buffers, and sediment control basins.Mitigation in this case is defined as: Minimizing the potential forharmful impacts of nutrient and pest management activities onsoil, water, air, plants, and animals through the application ofconservation practices and/or management techniques.

Conservation planning involves more than just consideringindividual resources. It focuses on the natural systems andecological processes that sustain the resources. The plannerstrives to balance natural resource issues with economic and socialneeds through the development of an RMS. This combination ofconservation practices and resource management for the treatmentof all identified resource concerns for soil, water, air, plants, and



animals meets or exceeds the quality criteria in the Field OfficeTechnical Guide (FOTG) for resource sustainability.

NRCS Mission in Nutrient and Pest Management

Nutrient and pest management components of a conservationplan are critical to resource conservation. Many nutrient and pestmanagement principles are detailed and complex. Formalacademic training is often required to master these principles.This training program cannot take the place of formal academictraining, but it does provide conservation planners with a generalbackground in nutrient and pest management. This backgroundwill help NRCS field staff to work more effectively withCooperative Extension personnel, Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs),crop consultants, agrichemical dealers and others who make pestcontrol and agrichemical recommendations, to cooperativelydevelop nutrient and pest management components ofconservation plans.

Nutrient and pest management components of a conservationplan must provide the decision-maker with information that canhelp them to protect the resource base. On sensitive sites,conservation plans must often include mitigation strategies thatreduce the off-site movement of nutrients and pesticides andrelated pollutants. Mitigation strategies can include nutrient,pest, crop, soil, and water management, as well as edge-of-fieldpractices like conservation buffers. One of the primaryresponsibilities of a planner who develops the nutrient and pestmanagement components of a conservation plan is to understandand quantify how mitigation strategies can minimize the potentialfor contamination, so that the overall plan can adequately protectand sustain the resource base.

NRCS has traditionally relied on Extension and crop consultantsto provide nutrient and pest management recommendations toland users. This, however, does not adequately address our natural



resource conservation mission. Policy revisions have helped toclarify that our primary role is to develop and provide nutrientand pest management related environmental risk informationto all of our customers (landowners, landusers, Extension, cropconsultants, agrichemical dealers and others who make nutrientand pest management recommendations and decisions). Wewill continue to use Extension nutrient and pest managementrecommendations based on efficacy, but we will add to theseour recommendations for appropriate mitigation strategies thatadequately protect the natural resource base. This new workwill be difficult, complex, detailed, and dynamic. Nutrient andpest management planning are as important to our overallconservation mission as erosion control, so the effortis warranted.

To carry out this work, we need to set priorities. We do not havethe staff to develop nutrient and pest management environmentalrisk information for every farm in the country. We need toidentify priority areas that either have an existing natural resourceimpairment or an imminent risk of future impairment. This workwill require strong partnerships with Extension, crop consultantsand other nutrient and pest management advisors. The goal isto help farmers make future nutrient and pest managementdecisions based on environmental risk as well as efficacy andeconomics. Nutrient and pest management must also be fullyintegrated with other components of the conservation plan.Water management, crop residue management, conservationbuffers, and soil erosion control practices all provide opportunitiesto mitigate the environmental risks associated with nutrient andpest management.

New NRCS nutrient and pest management policy providesguidance for 1) inventorying the resources involved, 2) assessingthe impact of a nutrient or pest management strategy onthese resources, and 3) planning conservation practices andmanagement techniques that will mitigate unfavorable off-siteimpacts that the planned nutrient or pest management may have.



NRCS Nutrient Management

NRCS policy supports the development of site-specificnutrient management plans as a component of an overallconservation plan. The nutrient management componentmust include recommended rate, method, and timing ofnutrient applications.

These recommendations can be developed by NRCS, CooperativeExtension personnel, Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs), cropconsultants, agrichemical dealers, and others. Persons who reviewor approve nutrient management plans must be certified througha certification program acceptable to NRCS in the state involved.Leadership for site-specific nutrient management planning will varyby state or local area, but success will always depend on thecooperation of all parties involved.

NRCS Pest Management

NRCS roles in pest management are: evaluatingenvironmental risks associated with probable pestmanagement recommendations; developing appropriatemitigation alternatives to minimize environmental risks;assisting clients to adopt Integrated Pest Management(IPM) that helps protect natural resources; and assistingclients to develop and implement an acceptable pestmanagement component of their overall conservationplan.

NRCS policy does not support NRCS originating site-specificpesticide recommendations. NRCS can supplement pestmanagement recommendations from Cooperative Extension,Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs), crop consultants, agrichemicaldealers and others, with site-specific environmental riskinformation and recommend mitigation strategies for sensitivesites. The primary goal of pest management in conservationplanning, is to help decision-makers understand how pestmanagement interrelates with climate, water management,crop management, and soil management, and how site-specificmitigation strategies can minimize risks to identified resources.



Student Activity 1

1. State the planners responsibilities for nutrient managementand indicate who can develop these nutrient managementplans.

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2. State the planners responsibility for pest management andindicate who can develop pest management plans.

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Nutrient and Pest Management Policy

References to and excerpts from USDA and NRCS policy andtechnical directives are presented to highlight some of the mostimportant information that you will need to guide your nutrientand pest management conservation planning activities. Read eachpolicy and directive in its entirety and note what each covers andwhere it is located for your future reference.

1) NRCS Nutrient Management Policy

Excerpts from Attachment 1: 190-GM, Part 402NutrientManagement, May 1999.

402.01 Policy.

(a) The guidance and procedures contained in this section areapplicable to all technical assistance that involves nutrientmanagement and/or the utilization of organic by-products,including animal manure, where nutrients are applied tothe land. All NRCS employees will follow these procedureswhen providing such technical assistance. Third partyvendors and other non-NRCS employees will use theseprocedures when assisting with the implementation ofFederal conservation programs for which NRCS has nationaltechnical responsibility and that include plans for nutrientmanagement.

(b) Plans for nutrient management are developed in compliancewith all applicable Federal, state, and/or local regulations.Federal, State, and/or local regulations take precedenceover NRCS policy when more restrictive.

(c) NRCS at the State level will supplement this guidance tomake it applicable to local conditions as appropriate.



402.03 Certification.

(a) All persons who review or approve plans for nutrientmanagement will be certified through a certificationprogram accepted by NRCS in the State involved.

(b) NRCS should identify all certification programs, availablewithin the State, it judges to be acceptable methods forbecoming certified.

(c) USDA recognized programs for certifying third party vendorsare recommended for use in states that have or use noother recognized certification program.

402.04 Nutrient Management Plans.

(a) Plans for nutrient management may be stand-alone or beelements of a more comprehensive conservation plan.When plans for nutrient management are part of a morecomprehensive conservation plan, the provisions for nutrientmanagement are compatible with other provisions of theplan.

(b) Plans for nutrient management are developed in accordancewith technical requirements of the NRCS Field OfficeTechnical Guide (FOTG), policy requirements of the GeneralManual (GM), procedures contained in the National PlanningProcedures Handbook (NPPH), and technical guidancecontained in the National Agronomy Manual (NAM).

(c) Plans for nutrient management will include the followingcomponents, as applicable:

(1) Aerial site photographs or maps and a soil map.

(2) Current and/or planned plant production sequenceor crop rotation.

(3) Soil test results and recommended nutrient applicationrates.



(4) Plant tissue test results, when used for nutrient manage-ment.

(5) A complete nutrient budget for nitrogen, phosphorus,and potassium for the plant production system.

(6) Realistic yield goals and a description of how they weredetermined.

(7) Quantification of all important nutrient sources (thiscould include but not be limited to commercial fertilizer,animal manure and other organic by-products, irrigationwater, etc.).

(8) Planned rates, methods, and timing (month and year) ofnutrient application.

(9) Location of designated sensitive areas or resources (ifpresent on the conservation management unit).

(10) Guidance for implementation, operation, maintenance,and record keeping.

(d) When applicable, plans for nutrient management shouldinclude other practices or management activities asdetermined by specific regulation, program requirements,or producer goals.

(e) States are encouraged to adopt protocol for the format andappearance of nutrient management plans that are inaccordance with the National Planning ProceduresHandbook (NPPH) and other State developed guidance.

(f) If the Conservation Management Unit lies within ahydrologic unit area that has been identified or designatedas having impaired water quality associated with nitrogen orphosphorus, plans for nutrient management include anassessment of the potential for nitrogen or phosphorustransport from the field. The Leaching Index (LI) and/orPhosphorus Index (PI), or other assessment tools acceptedby NRCS, may be used to make these assessments.



(1) When such assessments are made, nutrient managementplans will include:

(i) A record of the site rating for each field.

(ii) Information about conservation practices and man-agement actions that can reduce the potential forphosphorus movement from the field.

(2) The results of such assessments and recommendationsare discussed with the producer as a normal part of theplanning process.

402.06 Nutrient Application Rates.

(a) Soil amendments are recommended, as needed, to adjustand maintain soil pH at the specific range of the crop foroptimum availability and utilization of nutrients.

(b) Recommended nutrient application rates are based uponLand Grant University guidance or standard industry practiceif recognized by the Land Grant University. Current soiltest results, realistic yield goals, producer managementcapabilities, and other pertinent information are consideredwhen determining recommended nutrient application rates.

(c) The planned and actual rates of nutrient application shallnot normally exceed recommended rates when commercialfertilizer is the only source of nutrients being applied. Whensite specific conditions require that either planned or actualrates of application differ from or exceed recommendedrates, the records for the plan shall document the reason.

(d) Producers shall be advised that the planned rates ofnutrient application (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium)may exceed recommended rates when custom blendedcommercial fertilizers are not available, or when animalmanures or other organic by-products are used as a nutrientsource. When custom blended commercial fertilizers are notavailable, the planned rates of application shall match



recommended rates as closely as possible. When animalmanure or other organic by-products are applied, thefollowing guidance shall be used for determining plannedapplication rates:

(1) Nitrogen Application. Manure may be applied to legumecrops at a rate equal to the estimated nitrogen removalin harvested plant biomass.

(2) Phosphorus application will be in accordance with oneof the following options.

(i) Phosphorus Index (PI): When the PI is used, phos-phorus may be applied at rates consistent withtable 1.

(ii) Phosphorus Threshold: When soil specific Phospho-rus Threshold (TH) values are available, phosphorusmay be applied at rates consistent with table 2.

(iii) Soil Test Phosphorus: When soil test phosphoruslevels are used, phosphorus may be applied at ratesconsistent with table 3 or figure 1.

Table 1 *

Phosphorus Index Rating Phosphorus Application

Low Risk Nitrogen BasedMedium Risk Nitrogen BasedHigh Risk Phosphorus Based (e.g. crop removal)Very High Risk Phosphorus Based (e.g. no application)

* See 402.06(d)(2)(v)

Table 2 *

Soil Phosphorus Threshold Level Phosphorus Application

< 3/4 TH Nitrogen Based=> 3/4 TH, < 1 1/2 TH Phosphorus Based (e.g. crop removal)=> 1 1/2 TH, < 2 TH Phosphorus Based (e.g. 1/2 crop removal)=> 2 TH Phosphorus Based (e.g. no application)

* See 402.06(d)(2)(v)



Table 3 *

Soil Test Phosphorus Level Phosphorus Application

Low Nitrogen BasedMedium Nitrogen BasedHigh Phosphorus Based (e.g. 1.5 times crop removal)Very High Phosphorus Based (e.g. crop removal)Excessive Phosphorus Based (e.g. no application)

* See 402.06(e)(2)(v)

Figure 1 **

(iv) State developed guidance for using tables 1, 2, and3 and figure 1 will be used to establish criteria fora Resource Management System (RMS) level ofnutrient management. State developed guidance willinclude input from the State Technical Committeeand be coordinated across State lines to ensurecompatibility and consistency with guidance devel-oped in adjoining States.

(v) When using tables 1, 2, or 3, States determineacceptable phosphorus based application rates as afunction of estimated phosphorus removal in har-vested plant biomass. Rates of application shoulddecrease as soil phosphorus levels or the risk oftransport increase. Guidance may include recom-mendations for no application. The applicationrates shown in the tables are provided as guidance.Both the State Technical Committee and LandGrant University should be involved in developingthese rates.



(vi) When using figure 1, States determine soil phos-phorus levels at which nitrogen based manureapplication is acceptable and when phosphorusbased manure application is recommended. Phos-phorus based manure application rates shall bedeveloped as a function of estimated phosphorusremoval in harvested plant biomass. Phosphorusapplication rates should decrease as available soilphosphorus levels increase. Guidance may include arecommendation of no application. Both the StateTechnical Committee and Land Grant Universityshould be involved in developing this guidance.

(vii) Accommodation may be made for a single applica-tion of phosphorus applied as manure at a rateequal to the recommended phosphorus applicationrate or estimated phosphorus removal in harvestedplant biomass for the crop rotation or multipleyears in the crop sequence. Multi-year phosphorusapplications will not be at rates which exceed theannual nitrogen recommendation of the year ofapplication or on sites considered vulnerable to off-site transport of phosphorus unless the appropriateconservation practices, best management practices,or management activities are used to reduce vulner-ability.

(3) Potassium Application.

(i) Excess potassium will not be recommended insituations in which it causes unacceptable nutrientimbalances in crops or forages.

(ii) When forage quality and animal health are issuesassociated with excess potassium application, Statestandards will be used to set forage quality guide-lines.

(e) Other plant nutrients should be applied as needed.



(f) Starter fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, andpotassium may be recommended in accordance with LandGrant University guidance or industry practice if recognizedby the Land Grant University within the State.

402.07 Special Considerations.

(a) Plans developed for nutrient management that include theuse of manure or other organic by-products will:

(1) Identify the size of the land base needed to enable planimplementation based on phosphorus, even when initialimplementation will be based on nitrogen, unless otherprovisions that do not involve land application are madefor utilizing the manure.

(2) Document the soil phosphorus level at which planimplementation on a phosphorus standard would bedesirable.

(3) Include a field-by-field assessment of the potential riskfor phosphorus transport from the field. This assessmentmay be made using the Phosphorus Index (PI) or otherassessment tool recognized and accepted by NRCS.

(i) When a phosphorus assessment is completed, theplans will describe:

A record of the ratings for each field.

Information about conservation practices and man-agement activities that can reduce the potential forphosphorus transport from the field.

(ii) The results of a phosphorus assessment and recom-mendations will be discussed with the producer as anormal part of the planning process.

(4) Recognize that some manures contain heavy metals andshould be accounted for in the plan for nutrient man-agement.



Part 402.08 Record Keeping.

(a) It is the responsibility of producers, or the agents ofproducers, to maintain records that document theimplementation of plans for nutrient management. Recordsinclude:

(1) Soil test results and recommended nutrient applicationrates.

(2) Quantities and sources of nutrients applied; and heavymetals if applicable.

(3) Dates (month and year) on which nutrients were ap-plied.

(4) Methods by which nutrients were applied (e.g. broad-cast, incorporated after broadcast, injected, orfertigation).

(5) Crops planted and dates of planting.

(6) Harvest dates and yields of crops.

(7) Where applicable, results of water quality tests (includingirrigation water), plant tissue, or other organic by-prod-ucts tests.

(8) The results of reviews including the identification of theperson completing the review and any recommendationsthat resulted from the review.

(b) Records that document implementation of the plan shouldbe retained for a period of 5 years; or for a period longerthan 5 years if specified by other Federal or State agenciesor local ordinances, or program or contract requirements.

(c) National Instruction No. 120-310, Amendment No. 4,dated June 17, 1998, provides guidance for respondingto requests for access to these records.



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2) Draft NRCS Pest Management Policy

Excerpts from Attachment 2: General Manual Title 190,Ecological Sciences Division, Part 404Pest Management,Subpart B, March 2001 Draft.

404.10 Pest Management.

(a) Guidance and requirements in this Subpart are applicable toall NRCS technical assistance that involves pestmanagement. All NRCS employees will follow theserequirements when providing such technical assistance.Third Party Vendors and other non-NRCS employees willuse these pest management requirements when assistingclients with conservation activities for which NRCS hastechnical responsibility.

(b) Pest management is an important component of theResource Management System (RMS) planning process.

(c) NRCS roles in pest management are:

(1) Evaluating environmental risks associated with probablepest management recommendations;

(2) Developing appropriate mitigation alternatives to mini-mize environmental risks;

(3) Assisting clients to adopt IPM that helps protect naturalresources; and

(4) Assisting clients to develop and implement an accept-able pest management component of their overall con-servation plans.

(d) Mitigation techniques will be planned and implemented toreduce the environmental risks of pest managementactivities, in accordance with quality criteria in the localFOTG.



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(e) NRCS, Third Party Vendors, and other non-NRCSemployees will incorporate IPM that strives to balanceeconomics, efficacy and environmental risk, where available,into planning alternatives. If commodity-specific IPMinformation is not available, NRCS, Third Party Vendors,and other non-NRCS employees will encourage the use ofgeneral IPM methods and principles, including pestprevention, avoidance, monitoring, and suppressionstrategies.

404.11 Certification.

(a) All persons (e.g., NRCS employees, Third Party Vendors,and other non-NRCS employees) who approve pestmanagement components of NRCS conservation plans orrevisions, must be certified through a certification programaccepted by NRCS in the state involved. See Title 180,General Manual (Conservation Planning Policy) Part 409.11Pest Management Certification Policy.

404.30 Pest Management Component of the Conservation Plan.

(a) The pest management component of the conservation planis an integral part of the overall RMS plan for the CMU.Provisions of the pest management component shallrecognize other requirements of the conservation plan andmake it possible for clients to comply with both pestmanagement provisions and all other provisions of theconservation plan.

(b) The pest management component of the conservation planshall be developed in accordance with criteria in the PestManagement (595) conservation practice standard in thelocal FOTG. As a minimum, the following items shall beincluded in the pest management component of theconservation plan:

(1) Plan map and soil map of the managed site, if appli-cable (use RMS plan maps, if available);



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(2) Location of sensitive resources and setbacks, if appli-cable (use RMS plan maps, if available);

(3) Environmental risk analysis, with approved tools and/orprocedures, for probable pest management recommen-dations by crop, if applicable, and by pest;

(4) Interpretation of the environmental risk analysis andidentification of appropriate mitigation techniques; and

(5) Operation and maintenance requirements.

(c) The pest management component of a conservation plan isto be developed to accommodate the clients managementsystem including organic agriculture and sustainableagriculture.

(d) Clients, or their representatives, must document theimplementation of their plans for pest managementaccording to procedures outlined in the Pest Management(595) conservation practice standard in the local FOTG.Records will be reviewed by NRCS periodically to ensurethat implementation is in accordance with the standard.Clients, or their representatives, should review and updatetheir pest management plans periodically in order toincorporate new IPM technology, respond to croppingsystem and pest complex changes, and avoid thedevelopment of pest resistance.

(e) Certified planners must approve revisions to the pestmanagement component of the conservation plan.

404.31 Pesticide Management Application.

(a) Risks to beneficial insects (e.g., honeybees, parasitic wasps,lady beetles, etc.) must be considered when developing thepest management component of the conservation plan.

(b) For animal agriculture (including aquaculture), risks to waterquality, to animals being grown, and to consumers of thoseanimals or animal products, must all be considered when



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developing the pest management component of theconservation plan.

(c) NRCS does not develop pesticide recommendations orchange any label instructions or recommended pesticideapplication specifications.

(d) It is the clients or their representatives responsibility toensure that all pesticides included in the pest managementcomponent of their conservation plans are currentlyregistered for use at their location by the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency. The product label mustcontain specific instructions for the proposed use; or, theproposed use must be permitted by special local needsregistration or emergency exemptions from registration.

(e) Clients are to be instructed to pay special attention to allenvironmental hazards and site-specific application criterialisted on the pesticide label and contained in Extension andcrop consultant recommendations (e.g., ground wateradviso