Certain water quality parameters, mainly hardness and pH, negatively impact pesticide performance in soybean production. When pesticide performance is decreased, crop protection and ultimately profits will suffer. We will be collecting and analyzing ~3 water samples from the 23 counties in the eastern half of the state. These water sources will be the ones used by growers for the spray application of pesticides. The results will be used to see how various water quality parameters affect pesticide performance in SC.

The analysis will provide baseline data that will help us determine what our biggest water quality issues are, and guide future studies to help Clemson Extension develop recommendations to correct or work around these issues in the future.

Goals and Objectives:
• Sample water for key water quality parameters (i.e. pH, water hardness, etc.)
• Determine factors affecting pesticide performance
• Begin a database of spray water quality used for pesticide applications across South Carolina

• Present Findings at local meetings
• Write an Extension publication and/or factsheet
• Use data for future research projects in:
o Assisting growers with correcting water quality issues
o. Adjust spray applications as needed
o Irrigation water
o Greenhouse

Updated April 13, 2021:
Initial supply orders have been made and received. We are currently in the process of developing a data collection plan. This will involve getting other agronomy agents and water resources agents within the sample area to agree to help, and shipping them sampling materials and instructions.

Updated July 30, 2021:
Water Sampling has begun, with three counties being completed at this time

Updated October 15, 2021:
71 water samples have been taken in 17 different counties. Samples were submitted and analyzed by Clemson's Ag Service Lab.

Updated January 18, 2022:
99 samples for 23 counties have been taken in 23 different counties. Samples were submitted to and analyzed by Clemson's Ag Service Laboratory. More samples will need to be taken from the following counties; Berkley, Colleton, Jasper, and Hampton. I hope to accomplish this within the next month or so.

View uploaded report

Pending. So far, varying pH, water hardness, etc. levels across the state show the importance of testing your own water sources. Although most of the more serious issues seem to be in areas closer to the coast, there were unacceptable levels found across the survey area.

South Carolina soybean producers spend approximately 21-24% (~$77.00 / acre) of their total direct costs on crop protection in the form of herbicide, insecticide and fungicide applications. We hope to raise awareness about water quality and help growers protect their investment in crop protection.