The first step in reducing pesticide waste is to determine how much pest damage can be allowed before pesticide use is warranted. Examine alternative controls before purchasing pesticides. The need for pesticides, and, consequently, the risk of surface and ground water contamination, can be reduced through various Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices such as scouting, crop rotation, fallowing, planting resistant cultivars, alternating pest control products, and considering economic thresholds. Many row-crop growers are reexamining the costs and benefits of mechanical cultivation for controlling weeds. Studies indicate that a combination of mechanical cultivation and banding herbicides provides adequate weed control while greatly reducing pesticide use.