8 Ways To Ready Your Weed-Control Practices

This could be the year your corn and soybean weed-control programs don’t rely on what’s in a jug. “You might normally use glufosinate or glyphosate as part of your herbicide foundation, but you can’t use them if your retailer doesn’t have them,” says Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist. “What’s your plan B and plan C if they don’t show up?” Here are a few considerations.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS.
Match available active ingredients to your weeds. Consider premix products, which might be in greater supply or lower in cost versus standard products, says Bill Johnson, Purdue University Extension weed scientist.

TAKE POSSESSION OF PRODUCTS ASAP.
If storage is an issue, see if you can opt for dry formulations rather than liquids, says Sarah Lancaster, Kansas State University weed management specialist.

PREPARE YOUR SPRAYER.
Replace sprayer pumps, hoses, nozzles, etc., in poor condition, Lancaster adds. Also, evaluate application parameters such as spray volume and driving speed.

WATER IS A BIG DEAL.
For example, glufosinate is a contact herbicide with limited translocation and needs a minimum of 15 gal. of water per acre in the tank for adequate weed coverage. If you have dense weed pressure, you’ll need more water in the tank. Glyphosate doesn’t like hard water. Test water to see what you have if you aren’t sure.

CHECK AND RECHECK LABELS.
This is the year when reading them could make a big contribution to your bottom line.

GET A CULTIVATOR READY.
Don’t have one? Buy a used one or see if you can rent one from your neighbor. “It might not be ideal, but when you’re up against a $90 herbicide or a lack of availability, you could be out there cleaning up a lot of weed issues,” Ferrie says.

BEWARE OF UNTESTED PRODUCTS.
Trying something new on a few acres is OK, Ferrie says, but don’t go whole hog with products you’ve not vetted in previous seasons.

ASSIGN A PEST BOSS.
If you don’t have time to monitor weeds, insects and diseases, give the job to someone who can make it a priority the entire season, advises Missy Bauer, Farm Journal Associate Field Agronomist. You’ll be glad you did come harvest.