I.R.V.M.-Herbicide Application

In 1998 Mahaska County still used a 1972 Ford straight truck with a 500 gallon tank and some cobbled together motor and pump and a spray wand. Application was done while hanging off the side of the truck on a small platform. We applied chemical non-stop (weather permitting) from May to September.

Chemical use was inefficient, slow and despite proper caution, generally unsafe for the applicator. In 1999, the commitment was made to purchase a, “Boombuster” spray system. With cab controls, a smaller and newer truck and a 225 gallon tank, we set out to spray.

Daily totals went from 17 miles of road per day to up to 17 miles per tank load. We were able to spray up to four tank loads per day. Chemical use decreased due to more efficient application and chemical effectiveness went up with the advent of more properly timed application. Over the course of a few years, the herbicide budget line item went from $20,000 to $10,000.

We have had no accidents since acquiring the Boombuster and are looking for ways to make it more and more efficient each year. It was the first improvement we made while putting together this department.

Intelligent herbicide application is a large part of the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management approach. However, it is not the largest, or most important. We do it to control noxious weeds and brush in county right-of-ways and when used properly, it is very successful.

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