The “Greening” of Smith College Campus
Fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides
used to maintain the grounds
Ilana C. Moir
Environmental Science Seminar
May 6, 2003
1
Introduction
As an institute of higher education Smith College has an important image to
uphold. Much of this image comes from the appearance of the college and the grounds
on which it is located. The buildings and the grounds must be appealing and kept up in
order to make the college attractive. A large part of up-keeping the grounds comes with
keeping trees pruned, plants in order, and keeping the lawns green and weed-free. A very
easy and much used way of achieving this goal is through the application of a variety of
chemicals, ranging from insecticides and fungicides to herbicides and fertilizers. The
effect of the chemicals appears to be a beautiful green carpet that students love to play
Frisbee on, that local children enjoy playing on, and on which families have picnics.
However, this is only part of the picture. The grounds of Smith College are connected to
the ecosystem of the Northampton area. Any chemicals applied to the grounds have an
impact on the surrounding ecosystems, and like many similar institutions, Smith College
may not consider the implications of applying these chemicals.
Since the beginning of the Agricultural Revolution, circa 1750, humans have been
refining their farming techniques in order to grow bigger and better crops, while trying to
expend less man power and energy. However, it was not until the 1840’s that people in
Europe began to prepare fertilizers to use in agriculture. A major development in the
production of fertilizer was the discovery of the Haber-Bosch Process in 1914. This is a
process by which nitrogen and hydrogen are synthesized into ammonia (NH3), which is
used in fertilizers (Zmaczynski.) Though this technology did not spread outside of
Germany until after World War II, it has had a tremendous effect on the production of
fertilizer, the amount of food produced, and even, some might argue, the growth of the
human population (Zmaczynski.) Following the development of fertilizer production, the
science and technology necessary for the production of herbicides, and pesticides were
developed (Sustainable Cotton Project.) In 1939 Paul Muller developed DDT, for which
2
he later won a Nobel Prize. During World War II nerve gas was used in Nazi gas
chambers, which led Gerhardt Schrader to discover the organophosphorous insecticide
Parathion (Red Hen Online 2002.) DDT has since been outlawed for use in the United
States; however organophosphorous insecticides are still being used. In the 1960s, Robert
Metcalf discovered carbamates, which are some of the most widely used chemicals today
(Red Hen Online 2002.)
Although the invention and production of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides
have played an important role in food production and pest and disease control, their
extensive uses have effects on the people that use them as well as on the surrounding
environment. People, animals, insects, and plants can be directly affected by the
chemicals. The chemicals are also often subject to runoff, and therefore end up in water
supplies and in local lakes and streams. There they can have effect on the fish, birds,
plants and microorganisms in the area. The rate of leaching, toxicity, rate of degradation,
and rates of bioaccumulation are all factors that determine the toxicity of the chemicals to
humans and the environment, and many of these factors vary between chemicals.
In order to minimize the negative effects that Smith College has on the
surrounding environment, the chemicals used in maintenance of the grounds must be
examined. This paper explores the use of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and
fungicides by the Grounds Department at Smith College, how and where the chemicals
are applied, what effects they might have on the environment, and possible alternatives.
Methods and Materials
To begin this project I first outlined the subjects I wanted to cover, which
included mainly what chemicals are used, what their effects are, where they are applied,
when they are applied, by whom, and who supplies the chemicals. In order to find the
answers to these questions, I spoke mainly to Robert Dombkowski, the head of Grounds
Department. He was very helpful and provided me with a copy of the fertilizer, weed,
and insect control program for 2002, as well as the Material Safety Data Sheet for the
3
chemicals listed on the control program. He answered my questions concerning who
applied the chemicals, the methods of application, and safety measures taken during the
procedure.
After gathering information from Robert Dombkowski, I outlined the chemicals
and then I researched the possible effects of the chemicals on humans and the
environment, using mainly the internet and a number of books. I used a map put together
by Ashley Hawes to determine the direction of runoff from a number of the main
application sites.
Lastly I outlined some potential ways to decrease the amounts of chemicals used.
I also outlined some areas for future research that would improve the accuracy of data
collected and allow for more accurate adjustments of the fertilizer, weed, and pest control
program at Smith College.
Results
Application
The Grounds Department estimates that the amount of land treated with chemicals
is 30 acres of campus and 11 acres of athletic fields, however there are areas that tractors
cannot access, thus the actual acreage might be slightly less. The present supplier of
chemicals, or “turf and ornamental products,” for Smith College is R.F. Morse Turf &
Ornamental. In the fall R.F. Morse tests the soil to determine the amount of nutrients
present which can indicate the need for fertilizer the next year. The types and amounts of
herbicides and pesticides used are determined through observations by employees of the
Grounds Department, and by occasional tests made on campus. The amount of
fungicides, which are only applied to the athletic fields, is largely determined by the
weather that year, and the wetter it is, the more fungicides are needed. (Dombkowski
2003)
Fertilizers are applied in the spring, occasionally in the summer, and again in the
fall, depending on the amount of available nutrients in the soil. The last application of
4
fertilizer in the fall is dependent on the presence of leaves or snow on the ground. If
there are leaves or snow on the ground, then the last application will not take place.
(Dombkowski 2003)
Once in the spring an application is spread around campus that contains
compatible chemicals that treat for broadleaved weeds, pests, and crabgrass prevention.
The chemicals are diluted in water according to their specific instructions. The tractors,
which are all computerized, give the exact amount of each chemical to be added to the
mixture for a given acreage. When the tractors are actually applying the chemicals they
are programmed at a certain rate, thus the application is even regardless of the speed of
the tractor. The three applicators at Smith College, employees who are licensed to apply
chemicals, are required to carry documentation of every chemical they are applying with
them when applying the mixture. After application, which occurs at approximately 6am,
flags are placed around the area treated. After about 2 hours the chemicals will dry on
the leaves of the grass and are thus less likely to rub off on people; however people can
still come in contact with the chemicals if they touch the grass or plants that have been
treated. (Dombkowski 2003)
Pathway of the Chemicals
There are three main ways in which the chemicals applied can travel. They can
be absorbed by the plants or soil, transferred through volatilization, leaching, absorption,
and crop removal, or the chemicals could be degraded by microbes, chemical reactions,
or photodegradation (Brown et al. 1997.)
According to a map created by Ashley Hawes (Figure 1), runoff from most of the
campus and from the athletic fields flows directly into Paradise Pond or the Mill River.
This map however does not include drains which might divert the runoff flow to another
area.
5
Fertilizers
The type of fertilizers used by the Grounds Department has changed three times
since 1996. The fertilizer used before 1996 was Poly-plus, a granular fertilizer that
contained water soluble nitrogen in addition to phosphorus and potassium (see Table 1.)
During heavy rains the nutrients from Poly-plus would leach out faster than plants could
uptake them. Because of this more of Poly-plus needed to be added to the grounds, as it
was more likely to leach out into the groundwater, or runoff into the pond and river.
In 1996 the Grounds Department began to use a fertilizer called PCSCU (polymer
coated sulfur coated urea) (see Table 2.) This fertilizer is formed by spraying granules of
urea with sulfur, and then covering these with a thin polymer coat (Wilbur-Ellis 2002.)
This fertilizer was more effective than Poly-plus as the nutrients were only released once
the polymer coat cracked and water entered (Wilbur-Ellis 2002.) Since the PCSU
fertilizer was more effective the average pounds of fertilizer applied per acre decreased
from 1,375 pounds of Poly-plus fertilizer per acre in 2001 to 925 pounds of PCSCU
fertilizer per acre in 2002.
When R.F. Morse began to carry the Par Ex fertilizer that contained IBDU
(isobutylidene diurea), the Grounds Department switched over to using Par Ex (see Table
3.) IBDU is the component of the fertilizer that contains the nitrogen. The nitrogen in
IBDU is 90% water insoluble nitrogen which is due to the low solubility of the IBDU;
less than 0.1g IBDU /100 ml water (Nu-Gro Technologies 2001.) Approximately 22 %
of nitrogen from water soluble sources is lost to leaching, while only 2% of nitrogen from
IBDU is lost to leaching (Wilbur-Ellis 2002.)
Even though the amount of nutrients lost to leaching in the newer fertilizers is
less, the nutrients that are released from fertilizers can still have an effect on the
environment. Three major issues associated with fertilizer runoff include eutrophication,
the necessary processes of nitrification and denitrification, and the presence of nitrates in
the water.
6
Excess nutrients from agricultural runoff or sewage added to a body of water can
cause eutrophication. Increased algal and macrophyte growth, decreased dissolved
oxygen due to aerobic decay, and the death of fish are some consequences of this event
(Mandaville 2000.)
The processes of nitrification, the bacterial fixing of nitrogen, and denitrification,
the release of nitrogen gas, release small amounts of nitrous oxide into the air. Nitrous
oxide is a very effective greenhouse gas, so even though very little is released, it can have
a large impact on the earth (Baird 2001.)
When nitrogen breaks down in the environment, it is reduced to nitrate ions.
These nitrate ions can be especially dangerous to children if consumed. Nitrate ions are
converted into nitrite by bacteria in children’s stomachs. Nitrite ions then can react with
hemoglobin to prevent the proper flow of oxygen in the blood. (Baird 2001)
Herbicides
The two main herbicides used by the Grounds Department in 2002 were Confront
and Dimension Ultra 40 WP. Confront Herbicide has two active ingredients. The
herbicide is very persistent in soil as well as very soluble in water (see Table 4.) It can be
toxic to ladybugs, pirate bugs, and lacewings (Cox 1998.) It also causes heart, liver, and
kidney effects, and has caused birth defects and fetus deaths in lab animals. (Confront
Herbicide 2001)
Dimension Ultra 40WP herbicide contains only one active ingredient (see Table
5.) The active ingredient can affect the liver, kidney, blood, adrenals, and cause thyroid
damage and it is toxic to fish. One of the inert components, diatomaceous earth, contains
crystalline silica which is a known carcinogen. (Dimension Ultra 40 WP Herbicide 2001)
Insecticides
Merit 75 WSP, Talstar Lawn & Tree Flowable Inseticide/miticide, and Tempo SC
Ultra are the three insecticides used on campus and the athletic fields. Merit 75 WSP
(see Table 6) contains one active ingredient which affects the thyroid, neural functions,
7
and causes decreased fetus weight in laboratory animals. Since it is soluble in water it
can result in groundwater contamination where it is highly toxic to fish and aquatic
invertebrates. It is also highly toxic to bees. (Merit 75 WSP 1994)
Talstar Lawn & Tree Flowable Inseticide/miticide also contains one active
ingredient (see Table 7.) Although it is practically non-toxic to skin and eyes, the
ingestion of the chemical causes convulsions in laboratory animals. Chronic symptoms
associated with Talstar Lawn & Tree Flowable Inseticide/miticide include tremors and
increased urinary bladder tumors. This chemical degrades slowly in the soil, and thus is
persistent in the soil and in aquatic sediments. It is highly toxic to fish and arthropods
and slightly toxic to waterfowl. (Talstar Lawn & Tee Flowable Insecticide/miticide 1996)
Tempo SC Ultra contains one active ingredient, and causes skin and eye irritation
(see Table 8.) Some chronic effects are decreased weight gains, reproductive effects, and
effects on neural function. This insecticide is extremely toxic to fish and aquatic
invertebrates and highly toxic to bees. (Tempo SC Ultra 1998)
Fungicides
Fungicides are only applied to the athletic fields. Due to their low elevation and
high humidity, the athletic fields are the only areas really affected by fungi. A variety of
fungicides are used on the athletic fields every season for two reasons. First of all, the
types of fungi vary from month to month and secondly, in order to prevent to fungus
from becoming resistant to the fungicide, different ones must be used. The fungicides
used in 2002 were Bayleton 50% Dry Flowable Fungicide, Cleary’s 3336, Compass, and
Turfcide. (Dombkowski 2003)
Bayleton 50% Dry Flowable Fungicide is associated with increased liver weights,
thyroid effects, reproductive effects, and an increased incidence of benign liver tumors
(see Table 9.) No information was available for effects on the environment. (Bayleton
50% Dry Flowable Fungicide 1994)
8
Chronic effects of Cleary’s 3336 include eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation,
headaches, and nausea. The fungicide is moderately toxic to fish and aquatic
invertebrates, and has a low toxicity to birds. When decomposed thermally the chemical
produces nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon oxides. (See Table 10) (Cleary’s 3336 1993)
Compass fungicide causes developmental delays and probably affects the liver,
pancreas, spleen, and gallbladder (see Table 11.) Crystalline silica, which is an inert
ingredient in Compass, is a known carcinogen. (Compass 2000)
The active ingredient in Turfcide is ispentachloronitrobenzene, PCNB (see Table
12.) The compound PCNB has been shown to be carcinogenic in laboratory animals. It
is toxic to fish and aquatic organisms, however it is practically non-toxic to avian and
other species. When it is burned, Turfcide fungicide can produce hydrogen and oxides of
nitrogen in addition to phosgene. (Turfcide)
Alternatives
In 1996 the Grounds Department considered using Millogranite, a fertilizer
derived from treated sewage sludge. However this product was never used because it had
a foul odor if it got wet after application. (Dombkowski 2003)
In 2003, the Grounds Department will be applying SoylMAX for the first time.
This biostimulant is derived from soybeans, and will increase the growth rates of
microbes and provide some fertilizer to the soils (EcoOrganics 2001).
Discussion
As reputable private institution, a much enjoyed Botanic Garden, and a member
of the Northampton community, Smith College has the obligation to minimize any
negative impacts on the people and environment in the area. The chemicals used in the
maintenance of the grounds were examined and they could have a significant effect on
the people and animals that come into contact with them, as well as on the surrounding
area. Since a large portion of the runoff from Smith College goes directly into Paradise
9
Pond and the Mill River, which runs into the Connecticut River, a large area can be
effected by these chemicals.
The fertilizers that runoff into the water can have serious effects on the
ecosystem, the atmosphere and on human health. Due to changing technologies and
more efficient fertilizers, the Grounds Department will be able to apply less fertilizer to
the campus, thus minimizing the possible negative effects. A way to get a more accurate
estimate on the amount of fertilizer needed is to take leaf samples of plants that will show
the amount of nutrients the plant has, or is lacking (Dombkowski 2003). If this were
done the amount of fertilizer used could be adjusted accordingly.
The herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides used by the Ground Department are
not very environmentally friendly, and many are associated with serious health effects
including effects on the liver, thyroid, reproduction, weight gain, kidney, spleen, and
respiratory system and some are known to cause cancer. Studies have shown that
children and infants are especially susceptible to any effects caused by chemicals because
they are still growing and their livers cannot eliminate chemicals as efficiently as adults
can (Martin 2000.) Also, a number of these chemicals are persistent in the environment,
meaning they will remain in circulation for a long time, thus enabling them to affect more
of the ecosystem. Since these chemicals can have so many negative effects, and have the
potential to affect so many people here on campus, and animals in the Mill River, the use
of such chemicals must be minimized.
In order to minimize the effect of the chemicals the use of them must be
revaluated. The risk assessment should be considered, the application programs should
be looked at, and alternatives should be considered for those chemicals that are known
carcinogens or that are very persistent in the environment. In order to choose chemicals
that will be less likely to leach into the environment the Augustijn-Beckers method can
be used. This method uses characteristics of the soil, a relative leaching potential index, a
relative runoff potential index, the Health Advisory Level, and the aquatic toxicity in
10
order to choose pesticides to minimize leaching (Bruneau et al. 2001.) When using this
method, the toxicity of the chemicals to humans and wildlife are also important to
consider. If the Grounds Department can use this method to determine more appropriate
pesticides for the campus, they may be able to work with R.F. Morse to buy the
pesticides. Other things that can be done to decrease the infiltration of the chemicals into
the water system are to have buffers between the grass and the water way and to
incorporate pesticide free zones along the water (Bruneau et al. 2001.)
In order to better understand the impact of the actual chemicals used at Smith
College further research must be done. The water quality often Mill River should be
monitored before it enters Paradise Pond and then again after it leaves the borders of
Smith College. By monitoring the amount of chemicals in the water over an extended
period of time, the amount of chemicals actually coming from the campus can be
determined. The types of chemicals used by the Botanic Gardens Department should also
be examined. Though they do more spot treatments, their use of chemicals can have an
effect on the area (Dombkowski 2003). Some other issue that could be examined include
the disposal of plants and organic matter that have been subject to chemical application,
and the disposal of the actual chemicals.
By decreasing the amount of chemicals used at Smith College and by looking into
less toxic and less persistent alternatives, the negative impacts on people, animals, and
the environment can be minimized. By providing a good example in more
environmentally friendly lawn care, Smith College might encourage other colleges or
institutions in the area to examine their own environmental impacts and turn to
alternatives thereby lessening the environmental impact made by all on the environment.
11
Figure 1: Direction of runoff from various areas on the Smith College Campus. (Ashley
Hawes 2003)
12
Table 1: 2001 LESCO: Poly-plus Fertilizer
Date
4/1/2001
4/1/2001
6/1/2001
6/1/2001
8/15/2001
8/15/2001
11/1/2001
11/1/2001
Location
athletic fields
campus
athletic fields
campus
athletic fields
campus
athletic fields
campus
Total Athletic Fields:
Total Campus:
Total Smith:
%N
21
24
21
24
24
24
28
28
%P
3
5
3
5
5
5
5
5
%K
21
11
21
11
11
1
10
10
#
acres
11
30
11
30
11
30
11
30
11
30
41
lbs
lbs/acre total
200
2200
175
5250
200
2200
150
4500
175
1925
175
5250
150
1650
150
4500
725
7975
650 19500
1375 56375
total
lbs N
462
1260
462
1080
462
1260
462
1260
1848
4860
6708
total
lbs P
66
262.5
66
225
96.25
262.5
82.5
225
310.75
975
1285.75
Table 2: 2002 R.F. Morse & Son, Inc.: Polymer Coated Sulfur Coated Urea (PCSCU)
#
lbs
total
total lbs
lbs N
P
Date
Location
%N %P %K acres lbs/acre total
4/1/2002 athletic fields
22
0
22
11
200
2200
484
0
4/1/2002 campus
24
5
11
30
175
5250
1260
262.5
6/1/2002 athletic fields
22
0
22
11
200
2200
484
0
8/15/2002 athletic fields
24
5
11
11
175
1925
462
96.25
8/15/2002 campus
24
5
11
30
175
5250
1260
262.5
Total Athletic
Fields:
11
575
6325
1430
96.25
Total Campus:
30
350 10500
2520
525
Total Smith:
41
925 37925
3950
621.25
total lbs
K
462
577.5
462
495
211.75
52.5
165
450
1300.75
1575
2875.75
lbs N
/acre
lbs P
/acre
lbs K
/acre
42
42
42
36
42
42
42
42
168
162
163.6098
6
8.75
6
7.5
8.75
8.75
7.5
7.5
28.25
32.5
31.35976
42
19.25
42
16.5
19.25
1.75
15
15
118.25
52.5
70.14024
total
lbs K
484
577.5
484
211.75
577.5
lbs
N/acre
44
42
44
42
42
lbs P
/acre
lbs K
/acre
0
8.75
0
8.75
8.75
44
19.25
44
19.25
19.25
1179.75
1155
2334.75
130
84
96.34146
8.75
17.5
15.15244
107.25
38.5
56.94512
13
Table 3: 2003 R.F. Morse & Son, Inc.: Isobutylidenediurea (IBDU)
Date
6/1/2003
8/1/2003
9/25/2003
Location
athletic fields
athletic fields
athletic fields
Total Athletic Fields:
Total Campus:
Total Smith:
%N
15
18
26
%P
%K
3
9
3
8
18
13
# acres
11
11
11
11
250
225
200
675
lbs
total
total lbs N
2750
412.5
2475
445.5
2200
572
7425
1430
675
7425
lbs/acre
total lbs
P
82.5
222.75
66
371.25
total
lbs K
220
445.5
286
951.5
lbs N
/acre
37.5
40.5
52
130
lbs P
/acre
7.5
20.25
6
33.75
lbs K
/acre
20
40.5
26
86.5
371.25
951.5
130
33.75
86.5
none yet
predicted
11
Table 4: Confront Herbicide (* = active ingredient)
Components
Oral
Dermal Acute Effects
Chronic
LD50
LD50
Effects
(mg/kg) (mg/kg)
-triclopyr*
1521
>2000
-skin irritation
-heart, kidney,
-clopyralid*
(rat)
(rabbit) -severe eye
liver
-N-Nirritation
-birth defects
diethlethanamine
and fetus deaths
-EDTA
in lab
1430
Persistence
Effects on Wildlife
Decomposition
Products
-very
persistent in
soil
-very soluble
in water
-toxic to some ladybugs,
pirate bugs, and
lacewings
Hydrogen
chloride, nitrogen
oxides from fire;
chlorinated
pyridine
14
Table 5: Dimension Ultra WP Herbicide (* = active ingredient)
Components
Oral
Dermal Acute Effects
Chronic
LD50
LD50
Effects
(mg/kg) (mg/kg)
-Dithiopyr*
>5000
>5000
slight irritation
-kidney, liver,
-Aluminum
(rat)
(rabbit)
blood, adrenal
silicate dihydrate
effects, and
-Amorphous
thyroid damage
silicate
Sodium
-crystalline
lignosulfonate
silica is a
-Di-2-ethylhexyl
known cancer
sodium
causing agent
sulfouccinate
-Quartz
Table 6: Merit 75 Insecticide (* = active ingredient)
Components
Oral
Dermal Acute Effects
Chronic
LD50
LD50
Effects
(mg/kg) (mg/kg)
-imidacloprid*
1858
>2000
irritating to
-effects on
-inert ingredients
(rat)
(rabbit) rabbits' eyes
neural behavior
- effects to
thyroid
-decreased fetus
weights
Persistence
Effects on Wildlife
Decomposition
Products
-no
information
available
-toxic to fish
no hazardous
ones known
Persistence
Effects on Wildlife
Decomposition
Products
could result in
groundwater
contamination
-highly toxic to aquatic
invertebrates
-highly toxic to bees
HCl, HCN, CO,
Nox
15
Table 7: Talstar Lawn & Tree Flowable Insecticide/Miticide (* = active ingredient)
Components
Oral
Oral
Acute Effects
Chronic
Persistence
LD50
LD50
Effects
(mg/kg) (mg/kg)
-bifenthrin*
632
>2000
-practically non- -tremors
-degrades
-propylene glycol (rat)
(rabbit) toxic to skin and - increase in
slowly in soil
eyes
urinary bladder -persistent in
-occasional
tumors
aquatic
numbing or
sediments
burning
-little
sensation
movement
-ingestion causes
into
convulsions
groundwater
Table 8: Tempo SC Ultra Insecticide
(* = active ingredient)
Components
Oral
Oral
Acute Effects
Chronic
LD50
LD50
Effects
(mg/kg) (mg/kg)
-Beta-cyfluthrin * 660
>2000
-skin irritation as -decreased
-inert ingredients
(rat)
(rat)
itching, burning, weight gains
tingling
-neural effects
-slight eye
-reduced
irritation
viability, litter
size, birth
weights
Effects on Wildlife
Decomposition
Products
-highly toxic to fish and
aquatic arthropods
-slightly toxic to
waterfowl
-none mentioned
Persistence
Effects on Wildlife
Decomposition
Products
- no
information
available
-extremely toxic to fish
and aquatic invertebrates
-highly toxic to bees
-none mentioned
16
Table 9: Bayleton 50% Cry Flowable Fungicide
Components
Oral
Oral
Acute Effects
LD50
LD50
(mg/kg) (mg/kg)
-triadimefon *
812
>2000
-slight dermal
-inert ingredients
(rat)
(rat)
irritation
-minimal eye
irritation
(* = active ingredient)
Chronic
Persistence
Effects
-increased liver
weights
-thyroid effects
-reduced
viability and
litter sizes
-increased
incidence of
benign liver
tumors
Table 10: Cleary’s 3336 Fungicide
(* = active ingredient)
Components
Oral
Oral
Acute Effects
Chronic
LD50
LD50
Effects
(mg/kg) (mg/kg)
-thiophanate
>6000
>2000
--transient
-irritation to
ethyl*
(rat)
(rabbit) irritation to eyes eyes, nose,
-inert ingredients
throat and skin
-headaches and
nausea
Effects on Wildlife
Decomposition
Products
- no
information
available
- no information
available
Persistence
Effects on Wildlife
Decomposition
Products
- no
information
available
-moderately toxic to fish
and aquatic invertebrates
-low toxicity to birds
-oxides of
nitrogen, sulfur
and carbon from
thermal
decomposition
-none mentioned
17
Table 11: Compass Fungicide
(* = active ingredient)
Components
Oral
Oral
Acute Effects
Chronic
LD50
LD50
Effects
(mg/kg) (mg/kg)
- trifloxystrobin * >4000
>2000
-irritation of
-developmental
-sodium sulfate
(rat)
(rabbit) nose, throat, and delays
-sodium sulfite
lungs
-crystalline
-inert ingredients
silica is a
known
carcinogen
-liver, pancreas,
spleen,
gallbladder
effects probable
Table 12: Turfcide 10% Granular Fungicide
(* = active ingredient)
Components
Oral
Oral
Acute Effects
Chronic
LD50
LD50
Effects
(mg/kg) (mg/kg)
-pentachloro12.4g/kg >2000
-sensitization
-PCNB shown
nitrobenzene*
(rat)
(rat)
-irritation
to be
(PCNB)
carcinogenic in
-trimethylbenzene
laboratory
- xylene
animals
Persistence
Effects on Wildlife
Decomposition
Products
- no
information
available
- no information
available
-none mentioned
Persistence
Effects on Wildlife
Decomposition
Products
-slightly
soluble in
water
-toxic to fish and aquatic
organisms
-practically non-toxic to
avian and other species
-phosgene,
hydrogen and
oxides of nitrogen
if burned
18
References
Baird, C. 2001. Environmental Chemistry, 2nd Ed. W.H. Freeman and Company: New
York, NY.
Bayleton 50% Dry Flowable Fungicide. 1994. Material Safety Data Sheet. Bayer
Corporation. Kansas City, MO.
Brown, C.L., Hock, W.K, Sanders, D.P., and J.H. Jarman. 1997. Pesticides in the
Environment. http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/pests/g07520.htm.
Accessed April 2, 2003.
Bruneau, A.H., E. Erickson, and C.H. Peacock. 2001. Water Quality & Pesticide
Selection for Professional Turfgrass Managers. NC State University Cooperative
Extension Service. NC, USA.
Cleary’s 3336. 1993. Material Safety Data Sheet. W.A. Cleary Chemical Corporation.
Somerset, NJ.
Cox, C. 1998. Clopyralid Herbicide Fact Sheet. Journal of Pesticide Reform, Volume 18,
Number 4. Winter 1998. http://www.mindfull.org/pesticide/clopyralid.htm.
Accessed April 22, 2003.
Compass. 2000. Material Safety Data Sheet. Novartis Crop Protection, Inc. Greensboro,
NC.
Confront Herbicide. 2001. Material Safety Data Sheet. Dow AgroSciences. Indianapolis,
IN.
Dimension Ultra 40 WP Herbicide. 2001. Material Safety Data Sheet. Dow
AgroSciences. Indianapolis, IN.
Dombkowski, R. H. Personal interview. April 2 and April 15, 2003.
EcoOrganics. 2001. Product Portfolio.
http://www.ecoorganicsfertilizer.com/ppindex.html. (April 20 2003).
Mandaville, S.M. 1997. Soil & Water Conservation Society of Metro Halifax.
http://lakes.chebucto.org/eutro.html. Accessed April 20, 2003.
Martin, K. 2000. Why Canadian Physicians are concerned about Policies Regulating
Pesticide Use. Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.
http://www.cape.ca/toxics/pesticideskelly.html. Accessed April 14, 2003.
Merit 75 WSP. 1994. Material Safety Data Sheet. Bayer Corporation. Kansas City, MO.
19
Nu-Gro Technologies. 2001. Nitrogen Isobutylidene diurea product information.
http://www.nugrotech.com/pdf/IBN/IB_Product_Info.pdf . Accessed April 5,
2003.
Red Hen Online. 2002. http://www.boiseidaho.net/redhen/history.html. Accessed April
20, 2003.
Sustainable Cotton Project. http://www.sustainablecotton.org/PESTICIDES/. Accessed
April 14, 2003.
Talstar Lawn & Tee Flowable Insecticide/miticide. 1996. Material Safety Data Sheet.
FMC Corporation, USA.
Tempo SC Ultra. 1998. Material Safety Data Sheet. Bayer Corporation. Kansas City,
MO.
Turfcide. 2002. Material Safety Data Sheet. Crompton Corporation. Middlebury, CT.
Wilbur-Ellis. 2002. Polymer Coated Sulfur Coated Urea Fertilizer.
http://www.wilburellis.com/WC/catalog/cat_fert13.htm. Accessed April 22, 2003.
Zmaczynski, R. THE EFFECT OF THE HABER PROCESS ON FERTILIZERS
http://www.princeton.edu/~hos/mike/texts/readmach/zmaczynski.htm. Accessed
April 14, 2003.
DIMENSION (herbicide)
Dithiopyr [97886-45-8]
Synonyms: Dimension; Dimethyl 2(difluoromethyl)-4-(2-methylpropyl)-6(trifluoromethyl)-3,5pyridinedicarbothioate; Dithiopyr;
MON-15100; MON-15151; MON-7200;
S,S-dimethyl (2-difluoromethyl)-4-(2methylpropyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3,5pyridinedicarbothioate;
C15H16F5NO2S2
Aluminum silicate (kaolin [1332-58-7]
Synonyms: Aluminum silicate dihydrate; Aluminum silicate (hydrated); Aluminum
silicate hydroxide; Bolus alba; China clay; kaolin; Kaolinite; Kaopectate; Porcelain clay;
***Al2O3, SiO2, 2H2O. A mineral dust formed by weathering of aluminum silicates
Amorphous silica [7631-86-9]
Synonyms: Amorphous silica; Amorphous silica gel; alpha-quartz; Diatomaceous earth,
calcined; Cab-O-Sil; colloidal silica; Fumed silica; fused quartz; rock crystal; Silica;
SILICA, 99.99+%; Silica, fumed, hydrophobic; Silicon Dioxide, Crystalline, Quartz;
Silicon(IV) oxide; Silicon oxide; Solvent spill kit; Vycor;
*** Totally porous silica gel, with excellent dry-packing properties. MOISTURE
SENSITIVE. Silicagel with blue grains to indicate the degree of humidity. Water
absorbtion up to 150f its own weight.When partial ly saturated it already turns pink.
Sodium Ligninsulfonate [8061-51-6]
Synonyms: Desulfonated spent pulping liquor; lignosol; REAX; Sodium base spent
sulfite liquor; Sodium Ligninesulfonate; Sodium Ligninsulfonate; Sodium Lignosulfonate;
lignosulfonic acids, sodium salt; sulfonated lignin sodium salt;
Di(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinic
acid, sodium salt [577-11-7]
Synonyms: Aerosol OT; Colace;
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate,
sodium salt; Bis(2-ethylhexyl)
sodium sulfosuccinate; Di(2ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinic acid,
sodium salt; dioctyl sodium
sulfonsuccinate; Dioctyl sodium
sulfosuccinate; docusate sodium;
Sulfo-butanedioic acid 1,4-bis(2ethylhexyl)ester sodium salt;
C20H37NaO7S
CONFRONT (herbicide)
Triclopyr [55335-06-3]
Synonyms: 3,4,6-Trichloro-2pyridinyloxyacetic acid; (3,5,6Trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxyacetic acid;
Crossbow Turflon; Curtail; Garlon;
Garlon 4; Redeem; Remedy; Triclopyr;
C7H4Cl3NO3
Clopyralid [1702-17-6]
Synonyms: 3,6-Dichloro-2-picolinic acid; 3,6Dichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid; 3,6Dichloropicolinic acid; Clopyralid; Dowco 290;
Lontrel; Lontril F; Lontril T; Pyridinecarboxylic
acid, 3,6-dichloro-; Stinger;
C6H3Cl2NO2
Triethyl amine [121-44-8]
Synonyms: N,N-diethylethanamine; N,N,NTRIETHYLAMINE; TEA; TEN; TETN;
Triethyl amine; Triethylamine ;
C6H15N
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [60-00-4]
Synonyms: 4H; Edetic acid; EDTA; EDTAfree
acid; EDTA, free base;
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid;
Ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid;
ETHYLENEDIAMINE TETRA-ACETIC
ACID (EDTA); ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid;
Hampene; N,N'-1,2-Ethane diylbis-(N(carboxymethyl)glycine); Versene;
C10H16N2O8
MERIT 75 (insecticide)
TALSTAR LAWN & TREE
FLOWABLE INSECTICIDE
Imidacloprid [138261-41-3]
Synonyms: 1-((6-Chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl)N-nitro-imidazolidinimine; ((6-Chloro-3pyridinyl)methyl)-N-nitro-2-imidazolidinimine;
Imidacloprid;
C9H10ClN5O2
Bifenthrin [82657-04-3]
Synonyms: [1alpha,3alpha(Z)]-(+/-)-3-(2Chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid (2methyl[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl)methyl ester; (2methyl(1,1'-biphenyl)-3-yl)methyl 3-(2-chloro3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate; 2methylbiphenyl-3-ylmethyl (Z)-(1RS)-cis-3-(2chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl)-2,2dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate; Bifenthrin;
Biflex; biphenate; Biphenthrin; Biphenthrin ;
Brigade; Capture; Capture 2;
Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 3-(2-chloro-3,3,3trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-, (2methyl{1,1'-biphenyl}-3-yl)methyl ester, trans-;
FMC 54800; Talstar;
C23H22ClF3O2
Propylene glycol [57-55-6]
Synonyms: 1,2-Dihydroxypropane; 1,2Propanediol; 1,2-Propylene glycol; alphapropyleneglycol; dowfrost; Methylethylene
glycol; monopropylene glycol; PG 12; propane1,2-diol; Propanediol; PROPYLENEGLYCOL,
REAGENT (ACS); Propylene glycol; sirlene;
solar winter ban; Trimethyl glycol;
C3H8O2
TEMPO SC ULTRA (insecticide)
Cyfluthrin [68359-37-5]
Synonyms: BAY-FCR 1272; Baythroid;
Baythroid ; Baythroid 2; Baythroid H; BAY-V1
1704; beta-cyfluthrin; Bulldock; cyano(4fluoro-3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 3-(2,2dichloroethenyl)-2,2dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate; Cyfluthrin;
Cyfoxylate; Eulan SP; FCR 1272; FCR 4545;
Sofac; Solfac; Tempo 2;
C22H18Cl2FNO3
TURFCIDE (fungicide)
Pentachloronitrobenzene [82-68-8]
Synonyms: Avical; Avicol; batrilex; Botrilex;
brassicol; Earthcide; Eorthcicle; fartox; fomac 2;
Fortox; fungiclor; gc 3944-3-4; Kobu; Kobutol;
KP 2; Marison Forte; nitropentachlorobenzene;
olpisan; PCNB; Pentachloronitrobenzene;
Pentachloronitrobenzene ; Pentagen; Pkhnb;
quintobenzene; quintocene; quintozen;
Quintozine; saniclor 30; SA Terraclor; SA
Terraclor 2E; Terrachlor; Terraclor; Terrafun;
Tilcarex; Tri PCNB; tritisan;
C6Cl5NO2
Aqualyte(TM), LSC cocktail [25551-13-7]
Synonyms: Aqualyte(TM), LSC cocktail;
Trimethyl Benzene; Trimethyl benzene (mixed
isomers);
C9H12
xylenes [1330-20-7]
Synonyms: o-,m-,p-Xylene; m & p-xylene; m,p-,o-Xylene; Dimethylbenzene;
Dimethylbenzenes; Dimethylbenzene (mixed
isomers); except p-xylene, mixed or all isomers;
Socal aquatic solvent 3501;
C24H30
Turfcide decomposition product:
CLEARY’S 3336 (fungicide)
phosgene [75-44-5]
Synonyms: carbonic dichloride; carbon
oxychloride; Carbonyl dichloride; carbonyl
chloride; CG; chloroformyl chloride; cytosineguanine; Phosgene; Phosgene-13C (~1M soln.
in benzene); Phosgene ;
CCl2O
A chemical warfare agent, causing severe
pulmonary edema but not always immediately
irritating. Colorless liquid or gas with a sweet
odor like hay at low concentrations, sharp
pungent odor at high concentrations; detectable
at 0.1 to 5.7 ppm.
1,2Phenylenebis(iminocarbonothioyl)]biscarba
mic acid diethyl ester [23564-06-9]
Synonyms: 1,2-bis(3-Ethoxycarbonyl-2thioureido)benzene; [1,2Phenylenebis(iminocarbonothioyl)]biscarbamic
acid diethyl ester; Bis(3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-2thioureido)benzene; Diethyl 4,4'-ophenylenebis(3-thioallophanate); Cercobin;
Cleary's 3336; Thiophanate; Thiophanate ethyl;
Topsin;
C14H18N4O4S2
BAYLETON (fungicide)
Triadimefon [43121-43-3]
Synonyms: 1,2,4-Triazole, 1-((tertbutylcarbonyl-4-chlorophenoxy)methyl)-; 1-(4chlorophenoxy)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1yl)-2-butanone; 1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-3,3dimethyl-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-butan-2-one; 1(4-Chlorophenoxy)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(1H-1,2,4triazol-1-yl)-2-butanone; 1-(4-chlorophenoxy)3,3-dimethyl-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazolyl)-2-butanone;
1H-1,2,4-triazole, 1-(tert-butylcarbonyl-(4chlorophenoxy)methyl)-; Amiral; azocene; bay
6681 f; Bayleton; Bayleton ; bayleton 250 ec;
bay-meb-6447; Bonide Bayleton Systemic
Fungicide; Green Light Fung-Away Fungicide;
meb 6447; Rofon; SA Systemic Fungicide for
Turf & Ornamentals; tidifon; Traidimefon;
Triadimefon; triadimephon; triamefon
C14H16ClN3O2
COMPASS (fungicide)
Trifloxystrobin
methyl (E)-methoxyimino-{(E)- -[1-( , , trifluoro-m-tolyl)ethylideneaminooxy]-otolyl}acetate
C20H19F3N2O4
Sodium sulfate [7757-82-6]
Synonyms: Disodium sulfate; Sodium sulfate;
SODIUM SULFATE, 99.999%; Sulfuric acid,
sodium salt; Sulfuric acid, disodium salt;
Na2O4S
Sodium sulfite [7757-83-7]
Synonyms: Disodium sulfite; Sodium sulfite;
Sodium sulfite (Na2SO3); sulfurous acid,
sodium salt (1:2); sulftech; Sulfurous acid,
disodium salt;
Na2O3S
REFRENCE:
ChemFinder. 2003. Cambridge Soft
Corporation. Cambridge, MA