Environmental benefits of using clay granules in pesticide applications

The use of clay-based granules as carriers for pesticides dates back to the early 1940s. It now represents a business conservatively estimated at between 180 and 270 kt/a (200,000 and 300,000 stpy) in the United States alone. Prices for these materials typically range from $110 to $165/t ($100 to $150/st). Aside from economic and specific target pest efficacy advantages, the use of clay granules as pesticide carriers also delivers a number of environmental benefits, which are reviewed. Topics discussed include drift control (vs. liquid sprays), mobility (in the environment), worker safety and transportation (spill) safety.