Benefits from using paraquat
Visit the new Benefits section of the Paraquat Information Center to see how using paraquat for weed contol brings benefits on the farm, for the environment and in rural communities.
Paraquat has been a valuable tool for farmers all over the world for nearly 50 years. Its speed of action, rainfastness and now its role as a weed resistanceDescription The inherited ability of a plant/weed to survive a dose of a herbicide normally lethal to that species. Authoritative On-line References and Resources http://www.weedscience.org/in.asp The International Survey of Herbicide Resistant Weeds monitors the evolution of resistant species and assesses their impact. All confirmed instances of new cases are listed. fighter are unsurpassed. Paraquat is also unique as a non-selectiveDescription A chemical product used for eliminating all types of weeds (annual and perennial grasses and broadleaved weeds). Authoritative On-line References and Resources http://www.weeds.iastate.edu/ An invaluable source of contemporary information about herbicides and weeds from Iowa State University. herbicide in being able to be sprayed between the rows of growing crops without fear of crop damage.
However, paraquat’s importance and benefits go beyond simply controlling weeds. Its unique property of being locked onto soil so tightly on contact, and the consequent biological inactivation, mean that it has become a key component in conservation tillageDescription Any tillage and planting system that covers 30 percent or more of the soil surface with crop residue after planting to reduce soil erosion by water. Authoritative On-line References and Resources http://www2.ctic.purdue.edu/Core4/CT/Definitions.html Core4Conservation is part of the Purdue University-based Conservation Tillage Information Centre. systems, especially no-tillDescription Also known as conservation tillage or zero tillage is a way of growing crops from year to year without disturbing the soil through tillage ie cultivating the soil usually with tractor-drawn implements. Authoritative On-line References and Resources http://www.no-till.com/index.htm A portal for on-line information about no-till farming.. Paraquat plus reduced tillage improves soil structure and fertility, timeliness of operations and biodiversityDescription The variety of life in all its forms, levels and combinations. Includes ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity (IUCN, UNEP and WWF, 1991). Authoritative On-line References and Resources http://earthtrends.wri.org/ EarthTrends is a comprehensive online database, maintained by the World Resources Institute, that focuses on environmental, social, and economic trends. Statistics on biodiversity indicators are available.. Soil erosionDescription Displacement of solids (soil, mud, rock and other particles) usually by the agents of currents such as, wind, water, or ice by downward or down-slope movement. Authoritative On-line References and Resources http://soilerosion.net/ This site brings together reliable information on soil erosion from a wide range of disciplines and sources. It aims to be the definitive internet source for those wishing to find out more about soil loss and soil conservation. is reduced and the overall profitability of farming is increased.
In smallholder farming, using paraquat to control weeds frees people, often women and children, from the back-ache and drudgery of handweeding. This allows them more time for education and income increasing activities while growing more food.
In the new Benefits sections you can find out about the specific benefits paraquat brings on the farm, for the environment and in rural communities.
Read about benefits on the farm here …