Start with Clean Fields and Control Weeds Early

Growers are experiencing delayed planting due to a wet spring, and many are anxious to get in the field. As the season moves forward, don’t forget to take care of those early-emerging weeds.

Starting with a clean field

Because of the delayed planting dates this spring, weeds already have a head start on crops. To reduce the competition during the germination, experts suggest using a pre-emergence herbicide application. In addition to providing a clean seed bed, the pre-emergence application also provides another mode of action, rather than a glyphosate-only program. Glyphosate technology is something that we need to protect for its ease, efficiency and cost effectiveness it has provided to corn, soybean and cotton growers.

Timing is Critical

Early season weed control timing is critical. Weeds are easier to control when they are small and in the early stages of development. If herbicide applications are applied too late, you risk not controlling weeds and allowing them to compete with the crop for vital nutrients and moisture. Weeds that compete early are much more damaging to yield that weeds that germinate later in the season once crops have been established. Weed scientists suggest selecting a residual herbicide, especially in corn, allowing the herbicide to be effective with weeds that have a long emergence pattern like giant ragweed and waterhemp.

Iowa State University weed specialist Mike Owen, gives several helpful tips in a recent article in Wallace’s Farmer. In addition to the tips above, he also warns growers not to cut glyphosate rates. Reducing rates allows moderately tolerant weeds to survive, thus contributing to glyphosate-resistant populations. Early season weed management is a smart move in the short term to produce the healthiest, most profitable crop each season. In the long term, glyphosate resistance weed management practices will contribute to maximum yield potential for many seasons to come.