Sustainable American Cotton Project: Pesticide Reduction Innovations

Cotton fields are generally sprayed with a diverse group of insecticides. Impacts on nontarget organisms, as well as soil, air, and water resources, can be significant. Pesticide expenses also represent a significant cost to cotton producers. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate and evaluate the efficacy of installing beneficial insect Habitat plantings in and adjacent to cotton fields. Results from initial testing indicate that beneficial plantings, not commonly used by producers, can reduce pesticide applications by over 60%.