If granular formulations are used, full incorporation is required on the label. Incorporating spilled granules at row ends greatly reduces the danger to wildlife that feed along the edges of treated fields. Herbicides Most herbicides used during corn production are only slightly toxic to birds and manunals. When paraquat is sprayed directly on bird eggs it can cause abnormal growth of embryos and has been shown to reduce the hatching success of waterfowl eggs. Care should be taken to ensure ponds and streams are not contaminated with herbicides.
Herbicides can harm or destroy wildlife habitats.
Herbicide use can often be reduced by employing IPM practices. Keep records of weed problems and use postemergent herbicides only when needed. When applying herbicides, avoid spraying past the outer row of corn because it wastes chemical and can destroy wildlife habitats. Also, protecting noncrop areas from herbicides is important. Wildlife, especially small game and song birds, benefit from the cover provided by strip habitats.