Soil Fumigation, Second Edition

Book excerpt: A fumigant is a type of pesticide that volatilizes after being applied as a solid, liquid, or liquefied gas. Soil fumigants applied into fallow ground before planting are an important part of integrated pest management programs in row crops and orchards, nursery operations, and turfgrass maintenance programs throughout California. Fumigants may be odorless and usually cannot be seen. It is important to remember that fumigants are among the most hazardous chemicals you will handle or encounter at your workplace. This book is for people who will study for an examination and apply for a Soil Fumigation Qualified Applicator License or Certificate (QAL or QAC) in California. To obtain a QAL or QAC in this category, you must pass examinations in the following areas:

• basic principles of effective pesticide use
• soil fumigation pest control
• laws and regulations

In this book, most of the laws and regulations covered are specific to soil fumigations performed in California. California’s pesticide laws provide general guidelines, and its regulations provide the specifics for how to comply.

In addition to demonstrating knowledge of the laws and regulations related to fumigant use, applicators are expected to prove that they understand:

• the proper handling and application of soil fumigants
• the human health and environmental risks of soil fumigants
• the methods used to avoid or mitigate the risks associated with soil fumigants

Knowledge expectations listed at the beginning of each chapter define which concepts applicators will be tested on in the examination. Use the review questions at the end of each chapter to help you master the material before you take the examination. Check your answers with the correct answers in the “Answers to Review Questions” at the end of the book.

First Edition published as Field Fumigation ANR Publication 9005.