Use of chemical plant protection agents in the farms of Podkarpackie region

Abstract

The conducted studies analysed the pesticides consumption in the farms in Podkarpackie Voivodeship. These studies included farms diverse in terms of area, cropping structure and direction of production. Documentation material were the data obtained from questionnaire surveys conducted in 40 farms located in the different regions of Podkarpackie Voivodeship. Farms were selected in the purposeful manner in collaboration with Podkarpackie Agricultural Advisory Centre in Boguchwała. Conducted research showed a vast variety in the range of chemical plant protection. At all analysed farms the highest consumption was found for herbicides, much less for fungicides, and the least in the case of insecticides. A strong relationship was found between arable land area and the intensity of plant protection use, as well as obtained yield of crops. Large farms, with an area of over 30 ha, consumed almost 40% more active substance on 1 ha of arable land and obtained about 30% higher yields of crops than the smaller farms.