Fertilizers and pesticides are useful tools in agricultural production as well as landscaping. However, they contain powerful chemicals you must handle properly to avoid damage to the environment and to yourself. Before handling any chemical fertilizers and pesticides it’s a good idea to receive training on how to use them correctly.
As fertilizer prices soar, it can be tempting to cut corners on ag fertilizer and pesticide applications. That’s not a wise choice. The synthetic fertilizers and pesticides commonly used today require precise application in order to work properly. Good fertilizers and pesticides education and training should provide you with the following information:
1. Ways to mix fertilizers and pesticides in a safe manner.
2. Techniques to make chemical fertilizers and pesticides applications effective.
3. Proper disposal of any remaining chemicals in the applicator, as well as the original containers.
Participate in self-training in fertilizers and pesticides usage
Most states require some form of certification to spray ag fertilizer or pesticides commercially. You can acquire training information from your state's department of agriculture website. Fertilizer and pesticide producers also provide training, as do their vendors.
Colorado State University Extension. It offers insight on the safe storage of soil conditioners, liquid fertilizer and pesticides.
Focus your fertilizers and pesticides education and training on pesticides
State regulatory agencies are more specific about what you can and cannot do with pesticides, so the training opportunities are easier to find.
Ohio State University Extension offers training in pesticide certification. The
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture offers many pesticide manuals. From this website you can learn good management practices, as well as find locations for local pesticides training.
Become knowledgeable about soil conditioners
Soil conditioners and fertilizers make the ground more receptive to growing crops. As you study fertilizers, you can find all sorts of man-made chemicals and natural materials that make your soil productive.
University of Maryland provides farmers with information and training on the most organic soil conditioner of all—manure.
- Save all of your fertilizers and pesticides education and training information. You may need it to help calibrate mixtures as you prepare to apply fertilizers and pesticides.