Iowa Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Why is it critical to calibrate pesticide application equipment?

1. To ensure cost-effectiveness of pesticides.

2. To maintain regulatory compliance.

3. To avoid under or over-application of products.

4. To prolong equipment lifespan.

The correct answer is: To avoid under or over-application of products.

Calibrating pesticide application equipment is fundamental to avoiding under or over-application of products. Proper calibration ensures that the amount of pesticide being applied is precise, matching the recommendations for effective pest control while minimizing any potential harm to the environment or non-target organisms. Under-application can lead to insufficient pest control, allowing the pests to thrive and potentially requiring additional applications, while over-application can lead to pesticide runoff, increased costs, and may cause harm to beneficial species, the environment, and human health. Therefore, ensuring accurate application rates through calibration is vital for effective pest management and responsible pesticide use. While cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and prolonging equipment lifespan are important considerations in pesticide application, the primary reason for calibration directly relates to ensuring that products are applied at the right rates to achieve the desired pest management outcomes.