Integrated Pest Management Plans – Grassland
6 November 2024What is IPM?
Integrated Pest Management is a holistic approach which incorporates cultural, physical, biological and chemical methods of control to manage insects, weeds and diseases. This approach promotes practices which are environmentally responsible and socially acceptable leading to more sustainable agricultural practices.
An integrated approach to crop and grassland management enables production to be maintained or increased without expanding land use whilst also protecting the environment and encouraging biodiversity.
What is in an IPM plan?
An IPM plan looks at the decisions farmers, land managers and crofters can make to minimise the damage from insects, weeds and diseases using alternative methods of control to reduce reliance on pesticides.
There are 3 principles within an integrated pest management plan:
Having an understanding of the conditions which can lead to an increase in pests, weeds and diseases allows informed decisions to be made about how to lower the risk of damage occurring.
Crops and grassland should be monitored for the presence of pests, weeds and disease and any resulting damage.
Interventions using pesticides are made based on evidence and carried out responsibly.
There are 4 methods of control which make up an integrated pest management plan, examples are shown here:
Why should I prepare an IPM plan?
An IPM plan helps farmers, land managers and crofters to consider all the aspects of crop and land management which can help to reduce reliance on pesticides. This helps to reduce the risk to biodiversity and water quality from pesticides and helps to reduce costs on farm. Crop management which does not rely solely on pesticide use is also more sustainable, creating a stronger and more resilient business.
When completing an Integrated Pest Management Plan your answers will be scored on a scale of 0 - 100 for IPM adoption. This should be updated annually with the score being used to track ongoing improvements in the uptake of integrated pest management practices.
An IPM plan also forms part of the Whole Farm Plans being introduced in 2025 by Scottish Government. Preparation of an IPM annually will help you to meet the new conditions required to receive farm support. For more information about Whole Farm Plans please visit Preparing For The Future | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
How do I prepare an IPM plan?
A free to use template is available online through Scotland’s Plant Health Centre. It involves a series of multiple-choice questions which relate to your use of pesticides on farm and the different strategies you employ when it comes to pesticide use.
You can complete your integrated pest management plan at:
It should take between 15-20 minutes to complete, and you should save a copy once you have completed the questions.
IPM plans are most valuable when they are carried out in conjunction with your BASIS qualified agronomist to ensure opportunities to improve productivity, sustainability and ultimately profitability on your farm are maximised.
When should I do an IPM plan?
An IPM plan can be completed at any time of year, but it should be updated every year in response to the different crops and growing conditions on farm.
More information
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