CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICES GUIDE: 

REDUCING VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC) 

EMISSIONS FROM AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS 
Background

What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

VOCs are gases that can combine with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the air to form ground-level ozone 

(smog). Ozone can damage lung tissue, cause respiratory illness, and harm farm crops. Vehicle 

exhaust and industrial operations are VOC sources, as are thousands of products. The active and 

other ingredients in many pesticide products contain VOCs. 

How is California reducing VOCs?

Under the U.S. Clean Air Act, each state must meet federal air quality standards. States must 

specify their plans to meet these standards in a federally approved “State Implementation Plan” 

(SIP). Areas that do not meet air quality standards under the SIP are called non-attainment 

areas (NAA). California has five NAAs for ozone pollution: Sacramento Metro, San Joaquin 

Valley, Southeast Desert, South Coast, and Ventura. Under California’s SIP, the Department of 

Pesticide Regulation (DPR) must track and control VOC emissions from pesticide products used 

in agriculture and by commercial structural applicators in NAAs. Currently, DPR limits VOC 

emissions by regulating field soil fumigations. 

What about non-fumigant pesticides?

In the San Joaquin Valley, non-fumigants contribute roughly 65% of the total VOC emissions from 

pesticide products. The VOC emission potential of non-fumigant pesticides is heavily dependent 

on their formulation. Products formulated as emulsifiable concentrates typically contain solvents 

and tend to have the highest emissions, while solid formulations have the lowest emissions. DPR 

is working with pesticide manufacturers to reformulate products with high VOC emissions. The 

Department has also sponsored university research into insecticides with low VOC emissions and 

is promoting cleaner, more efficient application technologies. 

What Can Growers Do?

Minimize VOC emissions from fumigant sources

First, determine which soil pests are present and whether fumigation treatments are necessary. 

Applicators must follow DPR’s restrictions for field fumigant applications in an NAA. By doing 

this, the applicator can be assured that they are using fumigants in a manner that will minimize 

VOC emissions and comply with regulations. VOC emissions vary with fumigant and fumigation 

method. DPR has assigned emission ratings to different fumigant and fumigation method 

combinations. Certain low-emission fumigation methods must be used in NAAs during the peak 

ozone season (May 1 through October 31). In some cases, growers and applicators have a choice 

of several low-emission methods. Selecting the fumigation method with the lowest emission 

rating feasible will achieve the greatest VOC reductions. More information on DPR’s fumigant 

regulations can be found at the VOC reduction web page: http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/

vocs/vocproj/reg fumigant.htm. 
Pheromone traps can be used to monitor pest 

populations. 

Adopt more integrated pest management (IPM) practices

IPM programs incorporate various reduced risk pest management practices such as cover-cropping, 

crop rotation, insect baiting, pest exclusion, sanitation, use of pest-resistant or tolerant cultivars 

and rootstocks, release of natural enemies, and mating disruption using pheromones. A properly 

designed IPM program can help reduce the number of applications of VOC-emitting pesticides. 

Some specific examples of IPM practices 

that can reduce the number of pesticide 

applications include: 

� Proper scientific monitoring for pests 

to prevent unneeded pesticide applications, 

� Crop sanitation to remove overwintering sites and shelter for pests, such 

as post-harvest removal of unharvested 

nuts in almond orchards, 

� Providing habitat for beneficial insects 

to help keep pest populations below 

economic injury thresholds. 

Implementing an IPM program in your field or orchard can help reduce air pollution in two ways. 

By using non-chemical management practices, the overall amount of pesticides applied can be 

reduced. In addition, fewer pesticide applications means less diesel fuel used by the application 

equipment, thus reducing VOC and NOx emissions, particulate emissions, and dust. When making 

pest management decisions, remember that practices that require burning fossil fuels will increase 

air pollution. 

For more information on IPM practices that are applicable to your particular cropping system, 

please visit the UC Statewide IPM Program Website at http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu. 

Reduce amount of pesticides applied

Practices that reduce the overall amount of pesticides applied may also reduce VOC emissions. If 

you can reduce either the treated acreage or number of applications, you can reduce VOC emissions 

from both the pesticide products used and the exhaust from the application equipment. Such 

practices can have other benefits as well, including cost savings, reduced fuel use, and reduced 

soil compaction. Spot-treating for pest problems, when appropriate, is one option. Remote sensing 

of pest populations and use of target-sensing application equipment can help reduce pesticide use 

by ensuring that products are only applied where needed. These practices can also help reduce 

off-site pesticide movement. 
Consider alternative pesticide formulations

Products formulated as emulsifiable concentrates (ECs) have the highest VOC emissions of the 

various liquid formulations. This is primarily due to the solvents and other ingredients in these 

products. Solid formulations, such as granules or wettable powders, have much lower VOC 

emission rates. Table 1 shows the reduction in VOC emissions that can be made by switching from 

ECs to other formulations. When selecting a pesticide for application, consider 

the potential for VOC emissions as well 

as efficacy, economics, and other environmental factors. 

Make applications before

May or after October

Peak ozone season in California runs 

from May 1 through October 31. It is 

most important to reduce VOC emissions 

during this period. While pest pressure 

may prevent pesticide applications from 

being shifted, some application dates may 

be flexible. In some ways, shifting applications outside the May-October window 

can be more effective in reducing ozone pollution from VOC emissions than changing 

formulations, or other reduction options. 

Target-sensing application equipment can reduce 

pesticide use without sacrificing efficacy. 

Product Formulation Application rate VOC emissions

Lorsban 4E Emulsifiable conc. 4 pints/acre 229 pounds 

Lorsban Advanced Other (Liquid) 4 pints/acre 86 pounds 

Goal 2XL Emulsifiable conc. 5 pints/acre 350 pounds 

Goaltender Flowable concentrate 3 pints/acre 18 pounds 

Table 1. VOC emissions for a selected insecticide and herbicide. Calculations are based on a 

100-acre non-dormant application in almonds using high label rates. 

How Can I Calculate My VOC Emissions?

Non-fumigants

DPR has developed a VOC emissions calculator for non-fumigant pesticide applications. The 

calculator allows the user to enter product information and application rates for multiple products 

and obtain potential VOC emissions for the application scenario. This is a Web-based tool, and 

should work with most popular browsers such as Firefox and Internet Explorer. The calculator can 

be accessed at http://apps.cdpr.ca.gov/voc-calculator. 
Fumigants

DPR has posted a VOC emissions calculator for fumigants at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/

vocs/vocproj/calculate.htm. You will need Microsoft Excel (version 2000 or later) installed on 

your computer to use this tool. 

Where Can I Find More Information?

Government agencies:

� U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov

� California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR): http://www.cdpr.ca.gov

DPR is responsible for tracking pesticide VOC emissions and, if necessary, implementing 

regulatory requirements to reduce emissions. DPR tracks emissions and develops the 

requirements based on data provided by registrants and others. Extensive information on 

VOC emissions and regulatory requirements are available from DPR’s Web site. 

� California Air Resources Board (ARB): http://www.arb.ca.gov

ARB protects public health and welfare and ecological resources through the effective and 

efficient reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering the effects on the 

economy of the state. ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California, including 

the activities of local air districts. ARB and local air districts regulate most sources of air 

pollutants, such as vehicles, consumer products, businesses, and industry. ARB conducts 

research, maintains emission inventories, monitors and models air pollutant levels, and 

implements voluntary and regulatory measures to reduce air pollutants, including VOCs. 

� Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov

NRCS, formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service, is a branch of the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture that works with farmers, ranchers, and others to improve environmental 

stewardship on private lands. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to develop 

and implement conservation activities. In California, there are special programs designed to 

help producers address pesticide and air quality concerns, including reducing pesticide VOC 

emissions. Participation in NRCS programs is voluntary. Please contact your local NRCS 

office for additional information. 

� County Agricultural Commissioners: Agricultural Commissioners promote and protect the 

agricultural industry, environmental quality, and the public welfare in the state of California. 

In their respective counties, they carry out state pesticide laws and regulations and enforce 

local ordinances. By doing so, they protect the community and the environment from harm 

caused by inappropriate or illegal use of pesticides. They also assist in developing and 

implementing pesticide regulations such as those that will reduce the emissions of VOCs 

from appropriate pesticide usage. Please contact your local Agricultural Commissioner’s 

office for information in your specific county. Contact information for each county can be 

found at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/county/County Contacts.html. 
University of California:

� University of California Statewide IPM Program: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu

The UC IPM Online Website contains many valuable pest management resources to help 

reduce VOC emissions. These include pest management guidelines, seasonal guides, 

identification keys, degree-day and disease models, and access to UC IPM publications. 

� UC Cooperative Extension: http://ucanr.org

UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) works to enhance California’s agricultural productivity 

and competitiveness. County-based farm advisors collaborate with campus-based UCCE 

specialists and agriculture experiment station scientists to research, adapt, and field test 

agricultural improvements or solutions and promote the use of research findings. 

Local organizations:

� Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) are special districts set up under California law to 

be locally governed agencies with locally appointed, independent boards of directors. They 

are empowered to conserve resources by implementing projects on public and private lands 

and educating landowners and the public about resource conservation. RCDs remain one 

of the primary links between local citizens and government agencies on issues related to 

conservation. Due to their unique role in their communities, RCDs are an important tool 

for educating, coordinating, and working with producers, agencies, organizations, and the 

public on local conservation efforts. An important element of this effort is their commitment 

to reducing VOC emissions from agricultural practices. Contact information for RCDs can 

be found on the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts Web site, located 

at http://www.carcd.org. 

Outreach events:

� Pest Management Alliances (PMAs) are DPR-funded public/private partnerships dedicated 

to the demonstration of environmentally responsible pest management practices to manage 

economic pests in a range of different crops. PMA priorities include IPM, reductions 

in the use of pesticides that are of concern for human health or are found in air or 

water, and reduction of VOC emissions. PMAs often hold field days to discuss important 

pest management practices and demonstrate new field equipment technologies. For more 

information on PMA activities, contact DPR or a local commodity group representative. 

Financial assistance:

� The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program 

administered by NRCS. It provides technical and cost-share support to assist farmers and 

ranchers address natural resource concerns, including VOC emission reduction. Applications for EQIP are accepted throughout the year. For more information on eligible practices 

and program requirements, please contact your local NRCS office. 
� The ARB administers the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program, 

which provides incentive grants for cleaner-than-required engines, equipment and other 

sources of pollution providing early or extra emission reductions. The program achieves 

near-term reductions in emissions of NOx, particulate matter (PM), and VOCs, helping 

California meet its clean air commitments under the State Implementation Plan. NOx 

and VOCs combine in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone, while PM, a 

component of diesel exhaust, has been identified as a toxic air contaminant by ARB. For 

more information, visit ARB’s Web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/moyer/moyer.htm. 

� U.S. EPA Region 9 provides grants to support agricultural projects for education, extension, 

demonstration, and implementation of IPM practices to reduce environmental pollution from 

use of pesticides. More information can be found at http://www.epa.gov/region09/funding/

funding-sources/index.html. 

Acknowledgments

Funding for this guide was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the 

Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act grant program. 

DPR would like to thank the following for their participation in developing this document: 

� Almond Board of California 

� California Tree Fruit Agreement 

� California Walnut Board 

� Community Alliance with Family Farmers 

� East Merced Resource Conservation District 

� East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District 

� Natural Resources Conservation Service 

� San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District 

� Stanislaus County Department of Agriculture 

� Stanislaus County Farm Bureau 

� SureHarvest 

� University of California Cooperative Extension 

� University of California Statewide IPM Program 

� West Stanislaus Resource Conservation District 

Photographs provided courtesy of UC Statewide IPM Program and DPR. 
Published by 

California Department of Pesticide Regulation

1001 I Street 

P.O. Box 4015 

Sacramento, CA 95812–4015 

Phone: 916.445.3914 

www.cdpr.ca.gov

The mention within this document of commercial products, their sources, or their use is not to be construed

as either an actual or implied endorsement. Mention is made of some representative products, but the

Department of Pesticide Regulation does not recognize any product as superior to any other.

– February 2010 –