How to Determine Linear Rates of Pesticides in Row Crops

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• Many pesticides can be applied in furrow or similar
• Pesticides are often labeled as the amount of product per 1000 linear feet
• Many struggle to determine the amount of product needed when making in furrow applications
• A step-by-step guide is presented to assist with in furrow pesticide determination

Many pesticides can be applied to the soil at plant.  However, pesticide rates are listed on labels in terms of product per 1,000 linear feet. Invariably, many individuals struggle to determine the appropriate amount of product needed when applying in furrow or via similar methods. This article will provide useful step by step guidance to assist you with your at-plant pesticide applications.

In order to determine the appropriate pesticide rate per linear foot, you first need to know the row width you plan to use in that field.  At a given product rate, larger row withs result in less product per acre than more narrow row widths. 

Let’s say we have 30” spacing, the first step is to convert inches to feet:

30 inches = 30 in x 1 ft/12 in = 2.5 ft

Now we figure out the linear feet per acre.  Remember that 1 acre equals 43,560 feet.

43,560 ft / 2.5 = 17, 424 linear feet.

Now it's time to determine the product rate per linear row.  In this example let’s say we are using Capture LFR at 0.25 oz. per 1,000 linear feet.

17,424 linear feet / 1,000 linear feet = 17.424

Finally, we multiply by the use rate of the product

17.424 x 0.25 oz = 4.356 oz. 

So, we need 4.356 oz Capture LFR per acre if planting on 30 inch rows.  We simply multiply by the field size to get the total product needed.

Always make sure to double check your application volume and ensure that you are applying at labeled rates.  Too much or too little volume can result in less efficacy of the product or other potential issues, depending on the product applied.