China is the largest consumer of herbicides in the world!

The total consumption is about 50,000-ton active ingredients per year.

The intensive use of herbicides has caused several problems such as:

  • Impoverishment of the agro-environment.

  • Pollution of ground and surface water.

  • Damage to crops.

MLHD, a new approach to weed control

A new method of weed control has been developed. This method, known as Minimum Lethal Herbicide Dose (MLHD) uses considerably less herbicide and will aid in saving the environment and our health. MLHD is about the use of contact herbicides, which are sprayed after crop emergence. MLHD advises on the dose and spraying moment and uses a electronic measuring device to predict the effect.

International cooperation

 In 2004 a big cooperation project was launched between ICAMA, and dutch experts, with the aim to introduce the MLHD method of weed control in China.  With MLHD, which has been in use in Europe for many years, the use of herbicides can be reduced considerably.

 

Crop protection chemicals are essential

Crop protection chemicals are essential in the modernization of China’s agriculture. Chemical weed control requires less labour and, when applied properly, result in higher crop yields and a better product quality. Their use is essential for agricultural scale enlargement, which is a requirement for raising the living standard of farmers. Large scale and efficient production is also an important tool in safeguarding the food security of the Chinese population. 

Avoiding the shadow sides

The intensive use of herbicides, also has some shadow sides. Due to drift, the land and surface water may be polluted and valuable natural species are threatened and may even disappear.  Herbicides may also leach to the groundwater, making it unsuitable for human and animal consumption. Too high doses may reduce growth or even kill the crop. Crop damage due to injudicious herbicide use is estimated at 1.000.000.000 RMB every year. Also residues may enter into the food chain, which is dangerous to human and animal  health.  With MLHD the risk that this occurs will be reduced.  

Benefits

Most important are the enormous benefits to the environment. Less ground water pollution means healthier circumstances for all living creatures in general. Also the reduction of herbicide residues in food crops will allow better crop quality and higher market prices. Crop yields remain the same or may improve. Farmers can also save on herbicide costs.