Information and Resources
Off-target movement of agricultural chemicals is a common problem in production agriculture. Although highly effective on several broadleaf weeds in pastures and rights-of-way, the auxin or growth regulator herbicides can damage sensitive crops if not used properly. The Herbicide Stewardship Program strives to educate stakeholders about management practices that will reduce the risk of off-target damage and also provide diagnostic aids to help identify the cause of crop injury.
The potential for nitrate nitrogen to leach through an agricultural soil depends on several factors, including soil properties that affect rate of water movement through the soil and rate of surface runoff, rainfall, and the amount and type of nitrogen fertilizer being applied to the field.