Chapter 7
Forest Management Chemicals
The careful prescription and application of select chemicals can enhance forest
For Forest Owners:
growth in a number of ways. These chemicals, which include fertilizer and
Chemicals used in
forestry generally fall into pesticide, are useful for:
two categories: Fertilizers
Controlling undesirable or invasive/exotic vegetation.
and Pesticides.
Reducing wildfire risks.
Pesticides include:
Improving soil nutrition.
- Herbicides (plants)
- Insecticides (insects)
- Rodenticides (rodents) In most cases, there are federal and/or state rules that describe what actions
- Fungicides (fungus, mold)
must be done to use the chemical properly. This information should be
available on the product鈥檚 label and/or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
Helpful Hints:
Labels also alert you to protective equipment needs, mixing instructions, wind
Valuable information is
speed, temperature limitations, and first aid procedures.
provided on the product
container labels, including
recommended drift
Water Quality Link
control additives,
When applying these chemicals it is necessary to take precautions so water
surfactants and other
quality is protected. For many chemicals used in forestry, it is illegal to apply
enhancing adjuvant.
them to water, or allow them to be washed into waterbodies. Only those
chemicals labeled for aquatic use may be applied over or into waterbodies.
Rules Related to Using Forestry Chemicals in North Carolina
FPG Forest Practices Guidelines Related to Water Quality (FPGs)
FPG .0206 and
FPG .0207 explain
DWQ riverbasin and watershed 鈥楻iparian Buffer Rules鈥?
what standards must
Restricts the use of pesticides and fertilizers within the buffer.
met when using
Consult each rule for your specific riverbasin or watershed.
pesticides and
fertilizers.
Pesticide Applicator Licensing Requirement
02 NCAC 09L .0503 through .0519 defines who is allowed to apply pesticides
and what procedures they must follow to be licensed.
Aerial Application of Pesticides
02 NCAC 09L .1001 through .1005 defines rules related to aerial application
of pesticides, including restricted areas.
Site and Chemical Factors to Consider
Protecting water quality must be considered when using forestry chemicals.
When planning their use, it is important to learn the characteristics of the
Also Refer To鈥?
Part 5 of Chapter 1 to chemicals to be used. It is necessary to take into account site factors such as
learn about soil factors.
topography, soil conditions, drainage and other factors to adequately protect
water quality. Two important chemical characteristics are explained below.
North Carolina Forestry BMP Manual Chapter 7
Amended 2006 Page 114 of 243
1. Mobility: The ability of the chemical to move through the soil and
environment. A chemical that has high mobility may easily move
off-site.
2. Persistence: The length of time a chemical remains active after application.
A chemical with long duration persistence may have long-
lasting effects once it is applied.
Caption:
Figure 7A: Applying herbicides with tractor-mounted
Herbicides, other
equipment in eastern North Carolina
pesticides, and fertilizer
may be applied with
ground-based equipment
or helicopters.
The weather conditions
during and immediately
following application can
determine how water
quality may be affected
by the chemical鈥檚 usage.
BMPs for Handling, Mixing and Storing Forestry Chemicals
Refer to the product鈥檚 label(s) and/or MSDS for specific recommendations.
Properly store, mix, and load chemicals away from SMZs or in a location
where spills or leaks will not enter the water.
Properly dispose of chemical containers according to product label
Also Refer To鈥?
recommendations and applicable laws.
Chapter 8 to review the
BMPs for Fluid
Management for their
Park equipment used for application equipment outside of the SMZ or
potential application as it
away from water.
relates to equipment and
fluids.
Plan for the containment and cleanup of spills or leaks by having suitable
tools or materials available.
BMPs for Applying Forestry Chemicals
Refer to the product鈥檚 label(s) and/or MSDS for specific requirements.
Maintain accurate and calibrated application equipment so the correct
amount of chemical is applied.
North Carolina Forestry BMP Manual Chapter 7
Amended 2006 Page 115 of 243
Use the minimal amount of suitable chemical(s) needed to accomplish the
Helpful Hints:
desired result(s).
Consider getting a soil or
foliage analysis to
determine the amount of
Avoid broadcast-style of application within or over SMZs and water,
fertilizer needed.
unless the chemical to be applied is labeled for aquatic use.
Did You Know?
Apply at least 50 feet away from an intermittent or perennial stream or
For many forestry-labeled
perennial waterbody, unless the targeted area falls within this distance
pesticides, helicopters are
required that have range. Take precautions to protect water quality if applied closer than this.
specific nozzle pressures
and configurations.
Apply in a controlled manner and only to those areas that need it:
Pesticide :
Refer to the label for
-- Refer to the rules that apply regarding FPGs, buffers and restricted areas.
specific requirements.
-- Use aerial and ground application methods designed to assure optimum
Most herbicide labels
control of the spray path that produces minimal drift.
require aerial spraying to
-- Low-pressure and large droplet nozzle equipment should be used.
cease when:
Wind speed exceeds
6 MPH, or Fertilizer :
-- Refer to the rules that apply regarding FPGs and buffers.
Air temperatures
reach 90掳(F), or
-- Apply sparingly within ephemeral areas. Avoid applying if forecast
In advance of
precipitation could wash the fertilizer into an intermittent or perennial
unstable weather.
stream or waterbody.
Emergency, Toxic Exposure and Spill Contacts
Personal Health & Safety - - Call 911 for immediate life-saving help
For Forest Owners:
Carolinas Poison Center
When contracting for
( www.ncpoisoncenter.org )
1-800-222-1222
chemical application:
-- Obtain and talk with Spill Control and Notification NCDENR Regional Offices
references of other Asheville (828) 296-4500 Washington (252) 946-6481
customers.
Fayetteville (910) 486-1541 Wilmington (910) 796-7215
Mooresville (704) 663-1699 Winston-Salem (336) 771-5000
-- Be certain the
Raleigh (919) 791-4200
applicator is licensed
(if applying pesticide).
N.C. Division of Emergency Management 24-hour HotLine
-- Ask for proof of liability
1-800-858-0368
insurance and Worker鈥檚
Compensation insurance.
National Response Center
( www.nrc.uscg.mil/nrchp.html )
1-800-424-8802
-- Require a written
contract that specifies the
details of BMPs, the
Pesticide Rules -- N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer
chemical treatment, and a
Services (NCDACS) Pesticide Section:
clause that the applicator
( www.agr.state.nc.us/fooddrug/pesticid/index.htm )
(919) 733-3556
is responsible for
adherence to all state and
federal laws. Pesticide Information, National Pesticides Information Center
( http://npic.orst.edu/ )
1-800-858-7378
North Carolina Forestry BMP Manual Chapter 7
Amended 2006 Page 116 of 243
|