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Pesticide Reduction -- Integrated Pest Management <br /> The reduction of pesticide use can best be achieved by implementation of an integrated pest <br /> management program (IPM). The concept of action thresholds, wherein the specific <br /> conditions -- pest population numbers, turfgrass appearance, time of year or day, and other <br /> environmental conditions-- needs to be factored into a set of guidelines that triggers <br /> pesticide application. As an example, an IPM program would consist of monitoring <br /> programs for climatic conditions,pest populations, turfgrass quality, and other factors that <br /> determine when action thresholds are reached. <br /> Specific management practices should be adopted to suppress pest populations. <br /> Management options should include a range of biological and cultural options, as well as <br /> chemical control when absolutely necessary. The preferred chemical actions should strive <br /> to make maximum contact with the intended pest target, reduce movement of the applied <br /> chemical from the target site and cause the least possible harm to non-target organisms. <br /> IPM should maintain written records of management actions, and evaluate the results with <br /> the stated objectives. <br /> Smart Fertilization Techniques <br /> A number of practices should be followed to minimize fertilizer use,including: 1)the use <br /> of lower rates applied more frequently; 2) using as little water as possible; 3)the use of <br /> organic nitrogen sources in place of ammonium nitrate or nitrate salts; 4) applying nitrogen <br /> only when the roots are active; 5) the use of slow release materials; 6) the minimum use or <br /> no use of nitrogen on seedlings; 7)reducing nitrogen on older turf, 8) using a mix turf <br /> Buckeye Ranch Resource Plan (November, 1993) <br /> 229 <br />