As the bullies of the plant world, weeds cost you time, money and energy. You need a comprehensive weed management plan that includes all the tools at your disposal. To lay the foundation of effective weed control, follow these tips.
GRADE YOUR 2022 PLAN.
Now is the time to assess how weedy fields are at harvest, says John Pawlak, senior product development manager for Valent. “Then, calculate how much you spent per acre on those fields,” he says. “You can have a clean field at the end of the year, but if you didn’t get it clean until the end of the season you still had an impact on yields. See if you need to make adjustments for next year.”
FOCUS ON MULTIPLE MODES OF ACTION.
“For resistance management, two is better than one, and three is better than two for modes of action,” says Nick Hustedde, technical service manager for FMC.
DON’T TAKE REVENGE.
“Often, farmers want that revenge spray — where they see the waterhemp die,” Hustedde says. “Get out of that mind-set and try to spray bare ground. You want to kill weeds before they emerge.”
STICK WITH LABELED RATES.
In a time of supply chain challenges and product availability concerns, it can be tempting to cut herbicide rates in some cases. “That only increases the chance of herbicide failures,” Pawlak says. “Poor stewardship is using below-label rates or above-label rates.”
MAKE EVERY SPRAY COUNT.
With increasing input costs, don’t hinder the impact of your herbicides. Calibrate your sprayer and use the correct carrier volume, rates and adjuvants, Hustedde says. Watch the forecast and spray during the best conditions.
LOOK BEYOND THE JUG.
Consider the role of non-herbicidal control options, says Kevin Bradley, University of Missouri weed scientist. For example, if you only have a certain amount of product, you might want to couple it with tillage or cover crops.
GO SMALL FOR BIG IMPACT.
You want to target labeled rates on small weeds rather than higher rates on big weeds, Hustedde says. “For almost all post chemistries, weeds have to be less than 4" tall,” he says. “My tip is you don’t want weeds to be any taller than the depth you plant your crop.”
GATHER INTEL ON NEW PRODUCTS.
“If you’re mixing up your weed plan, ask the company for data behind the products that’s comparable to your area or application situation,” Bradley says.
Sara Schafer uses her Missouri farm roots to cover crop management, business and more.
