Sustainable Farming – Integrated Pest Management

Chemical (pesticides or herbicides) control of pests and weeds has been an integral part of agriculture, food security and land use efficiency facilitating the production of safe and high-quality food and feed with improved yields. However, after application chemicals may end up in waterbodies through leaching or surface run off, causing damage to non-target species and wildlife like otters. This in turn, decreases biodiversity and destabilises ecosystems. Some pesticides can have adverse effects on humans. Incorrect or prolonged use of a chemicals causes them to become ineffective in the target species. Therefore, Integrated Pest, Disease and Weed Management (IPDWM) approaches have been developed which rely on controlling, preventing or suppression of pests and weeds without the use of chemical pesticides or herbicides.