Four techniques currently used in India for the application of insecticides to control soil inhabiting pests are discussed. Pesticide can be applied to the soil before, during and after planting is carried out. The most common insecticides used are chlorinated hydrocarbons. It is suggested that parasites and predators are not killed and that insecticide resistance will not develop as quickly as with foliar applications. The treatment of seeds and propagating material with fungicides is a popular practice in India and the use of insecticides in this way is expected to increase. Root or seedling dipping of rice has been done and gives protection against stem borer, caseworm, jassids and aphids. The treatment of irrigation water with insecticides for the control of termites,Holotrichia, cutworms and Gryllidae is described. Residue and phytotoxicity problems are discussed. In India the problem of soil pollution by insecticides has not developed and is not expected to appear while the current normal insecticide rates are used.