Atrazine economic benefits

During 1995-1997, the information from past studies, almost 5000 field trials, new surveys of growers, and a weed control model developed by Dr. David Bridges (Bridges, 1998) were used to provide USEPA with estimates of the economic benefits of triazine and atrazine on all crops labeled with these products in the United States. A summary of the economic and biological models and some of the components are available (Bridges, 1998 Carlson, 1998). 

Analysis approach - corn and sorghum A two-tiered approach was also used to characterize the benefits associated with uses of atrazine and simazine in corn and sorghum. First, a comparative analysis was made of product labels. The following parameters were considered in this review performance profiles, including efficacy, spectrum, and crop tolerance label comparisons physical and chemical characteristics of the product hazard profiles economic benefits and other relevant issues, such as use restrictions, etc. 

During late 1994, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) published a public document (PD-1) relative to the use of triazine herbicides by American farmers. In doing so, they placed atrazine and simazine in Special Review. USEPA s PD-1 triggered a benefits study of unprecedented proportions on the following issues benefits of atrazine and simazine use economic and biological impact of the loss of these products feasibility and efficacy of alternatives environmental benefits associated with atrazine and simazine use best management practices and comparative performance of alternatives. 

---