Abstract
Indicators are used to quantify the pressure of pesticides on the environment. Pesticide risk indicators typically require weighting environmental exposure by a no effect concentration. An indicator based on spread equivalents (ΣSeq) is used in environmental policy in Flanders (Belgium). The pesticide risk for aquatic life is estimated by weighting active ingredient usage by the ratio of their maximum allowable concentration and their soil halflife. Accurate estimates of total pesticide usage in the region are essential in such calculations. Up to 2012, the environmental impact of pesticides was estimated on sales figures provided by the Federal Government. Since 2013, pesticide use is calculated based on results from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). The estimation of pesticide use was supplemented with data for non-agricultural use based on sales figures of amateur use provided by industry and data obtained from public services. The Seq-indicator was modified to better reflect reality. This method was applied for the period 2009-2012 and showed differences between estimated use and sales figures of pesticides. The estimated use of pesticides based on accountancy data is more accurate compared to sales figures. This approach resulted in a better view on pesticide use and its respective environmental impact in Flanders.
Highlights
Pesticide use changes over time and its impact on human health and the environment is dependent on newly introduced pesticide products, climatic conditions, new resistant crop varieties and new scientific developments, such as formulation and spraying techniques
Total plant protection products (PPPs) use estimates, in this case estimates based on PPP sales, were compared to estimates based on usage registration like Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN)
The difference between sales and use estimates can be explained by economic reasons, such as budgets that need to be spent in one year or commercial actions recommending certain products which results in a stock of PPPs
Summary
Pesticide use changes over time and its impact on human health and the environment is dependent on newly introduced pesticide products, climatic conditions, new resistant crop varieties and new scientific developments, such as formulation and spraying techniques. Pesticides can give rise to a range of side effects such as health effects of the applicator, contamination of the water cycle, residues on agricultural products, toxicity for honey bees, birds, beneficial arthropods, etc. PPPs can migrate to the surface through different pathways. The total amount of PPPs emitted to surface water depends on the properties of the active substance, the formulation, the local topography and the climatic conditions. Diffuse losses occur after applying PPPs on a field and are spread over a large area. Diffuse losses include mainly runoff, volatilization, drift and drainage [7,21,44,45]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
