EPA defines IPM (Integrated Pest Management) as “an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.” The primary objective of an IPM program is to reduce the total pesticide load on the turfgrass area by using a combination of tactics to control or manage pests. This approach considers all strategies to reduce pest damage to acceptable levels in the most economical means, while simultaneously accounting for impacts on humans, property, and the environment. The BMP document provides suggestions for sports turf managers to make environmentally sound decisions at their facilities. Monitoring, diseases, insects, weeds, control options, pesticide safety, pesticide application, application equipment, environmental impact, recordkeeping, pesticide transportation, pesticide storage, handling, and disposal are topics included in the bulletin. Click here to access the IPM and Pesticide Management BMPs.
