Efficacy
ef·fi·ca·cy
/ˈefəkəsē/
noun
1. the ability to produce a desired or intended result.
"there is little information on the efficacy of this treatment"
synonyms:
effectiveness, success, productiveness, potency, power;
Before moving on to talking about trace minerals and sulfur, I wanted to discuss a word I find myself using often. I even found myself having a conversation about this topic with my acupuncturist this week.
I arrived for my appointment, and he noticed I have a cold. He told me before we could move forward working on my leg and arm; we would need to treat the cold, so it doesn’t go any deeper into my system. That alone is another topic for a post, but I’ll save it for later.
As we were discussing some options for herbs I could take, he spoke about a common over the counter remedy that contains Chinese herbs for colds. He mentioned the reason why people do not see the results they want is twofold – timing and overuse. As I was sitting there listening to him, I thought, “Umm, that’s much like issues some growers experience.”
To realize somethings full efficacy; it’s ability to produce a desired or intended result, you need to use the right source, use the right rate, have the right timing, and in the case of fertilizer, amendments, hebicides, and pesticides have the right placement.
A chemistries efficacy becomes even more critical in the case of trace minerals because they are required in such small amounts.
I’ve spoken at length about the right rate, timing, and placement in the following two posts
https://www.theaccidentalagronomist.com/news/2018/2/5/ag-101-week-6
https://www.theaccidentalagronomist.com/news/2018/2/25/ag-101-week-10
Since week 41 I’ve talked at length about the right sources
The best example of chemistry losing its efficacy is in the case of herbicides. We have heard year after year of more weeds becoming herbicide resistant and even developing into superweeds. More and more I am hearing about common chemistries on the organic side of agriculture losing their efficacy as well. Things such as copper, Bt products, and even my favorite kelp are having to be applied at higher and higher rates to see any results.
So, how does a farmer avoid overusing inputs-
1. If possible, use cultural practices such as mowing, minimal tillage, removing debris, etc.
2. Identify the problem correctly, whether it is a pest, disease, or nutrient related
3. Use the proper chemistry for the issue
4. Rotate with several chemistries that work synergistically with each other
5. Most importantly do not use more than the recommended amount of the chemistry
6. If chemistries are needed, follow the 4R Principles laid out in the previous weeks 6 & 10 links
Remember the adage, “If a little is good, more must be better.” Isn’t always the case.