What is a crucial step in ensuring safe pesticide application?

Calibrating application equipment is a fundamental step in ensuring the safe application of pesticides. This process involves adjusting the equipment to apply the precise amount of pesticide needed for effective pest control while minimizing environmental impact and reducing the risk of harm to non-target organisms, including humans and beneficial insects. Proper calibration ensures that pesticides are delivered accurately, which helps prevent over-application, under-application, and potential drift to unintended areas.

In contrast, focusing solely on the cost of pesticides does not take into account effectiveness, safety, or environmental impacts. Using as much pesticide as possible can lead to unnecessary chemical use, increasing risk of harm to the ecosystem and human health. Lastly, avoiding reading the label directly contradicts safe application practices, as the label provides crucial information on dosage, safety precautions, and proper handling techniques essential for safe pesticide use. Thus, proper calibration is a key practice to promote both efficacy and safety in pesticide application.