Therefore it is necessary to select a consistent sampling strategy to help minimize such sampling errors. It is also advisable to increase the cross-sectional area of the soil core sample, especially for the first few days or weeks when the herbicide residue is largely concentrated in the surface soil layer. Further research is needed on pesticide application techniques more appropriate for a no till system, such as spot spraying and delayed spraying that would be , and would lead to improved water quality through a reduction in pesticide use, as well as a reduction in pesticide loss. The application technique and timing, would have to include a detailed crop management strategy. This project studied pesticide loss under a continuous grain corn cropping system.
Many farmers use crop rotations to help in weed control, which decrease pesticide use.
There is a need to look at several cropping systems and pesticides to determine if the same potential threat to water quality exists under different cropping practices. As well, a more detailed analyses of crop response to herbicide application techniques must be conducted. Farmers need to know the effects on crop yield before they can make educated decisions on pesticide use. The research was conducted on a silt loam soil. The ability for preferential flow will not be the same between soil types.