A researcher at the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph says seed treatment dust from planters is responsible for most seed treatment chemical escapes into the environment.
Dr. Art Schaafsma came to the conclusion following a three year study with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association on various pathways of dust movement from air planters.
He feels the goal of farmers should be to reduce all residue escapes by 90 per cent.
Based on the results of his research, Schaafsma recommends farmers use approved fluency agents and polymers, avoid abrasive seed lubricants, redirect planter exhaust into the soil and practice conservation tillage to limit soil movement.
He also points out new developments for planters are on the way to improve filters and cyclones for stabilizing dust, as well as polymers which more firmly attach pesticide products to the seed.
