Förbättring av hantering av bekämpningsmedel i växthus

The use of pesticides in greenhouses has often been regarded, formally at least, as if the greenhouse was a closed system, isolated from surrounding soil, air, and water. Recently, several studies of pesticide residues in waterways downstream from greenhouses have been conducted. The results made it probable that greenhouses also contribute to soil and water pollution. It is still not known whether the dominant starting point of greenhouse pollution is from point or diffuse sources. This project concentrates on point sources, related to handling of pesticides (including all operations, except spraying). Risky point sources were identified from a number of real life situations that were investigated and reported in a previous project. That study revealed differences between companies, size, production type, age of premises, etc. It showed risky situations with a potential for improvements, as well as good examples and plausible solutions. The objective of this project was to transform identified shortcomings into improvements; to reduce the risk of accidents and minimise the consequences, if possible, when applied in growers‟ situations. The spectrum of situations and problems were analysed and generalised. Further grower discussions and interviews were carried out, with a specific aim to find good examples from practice. The study has comprised the following improvements in pesticide handling: * Filling station: A filling/mixing/cleaning station was developed as a „mock-up‟ and tested by growers and advisers who suggested further improvements. An important part of the design was to facilitate the handling work and, in this way, reduce the temptation to handle pesticides at inexpedient places. Examples from growers were identified and modified. * Central position of filling station: Better placement of the filling station (including the pesticide storage) in the greenhouse plan was suggested, based on real greenhouse operations, to avoid risky transports. * Mobile filling station: For larger or uniform crop operations, where several spray tanks were filled during one spray application, we suggest sprayer accessories to prevent and/or collect accidental spills. * Improved sprayer design: Discussions with sprayer manufacturers to incorporate a protective cover of electrical engines, designed to make the sprayer safe to clean. * Avoiding floor drains: We strongly advise that users avoid all measuring and mixing operations close to sinks and floor drains that are connected to ditches or sewage systems.