Which application technique refers to placing pesticides into the soil?

The technique of placing pesticides directly into the soil is known as soil injection. This method involves the use of specialized equipment to inject the pesticide at a predetermined depth into the soil, allowing for effective targeting of pests that may be residing in the soil or for controlling soil-borne pathogens. Soil injection is particularly effective because it minimizes the pesticide's exposure to the environment and maximizes its contact with the target organisms.

Using soil injection can also reduce the risk of pesticide runoff and degradation, as the chemicals are delivered directly to where they are needed most, enhancing their efficacy. This method can be beneficial for treating systemic pests, as it allows the pesticide to be absorbed by the plant roots and transported throughout the plant.

In contrast, surface treatment involves applying pesticides to the soil surface, which may not be as effective against pests located deeper in the soil. Sub-surface drenching typically refers to applying a solution over a larger area, targeting the soil moisture rather than injecting it, and root feeding is specifically associated with delivering nutrients rather than pesticides directly to the plant roots through the root system. All these methods differ in their application techniques and effectiveness for pest control in various scenarios.