Scouting Key To Next Season’s Soybean Herbicide Program
August 12, 2014 When growing soybeans, growers need to think ahead to stay one step ahead of weeds. That means examining weed threats and evaluating which herbicides work best.
As resistant and high-anxiety weeds such as marestail and waterhemp intrude on soybean fields across the Midwest, growers should consistently assess their weed management programs. The end of the growing season is an ideal time to get out in the field and scout for weed escapes to determine what adjustments to make for next season.
“Herbicide resistant weeds can quickly outcompete the crop if growers do not stay ahead of the problem and continue to evolve their herbicide programs,” says Lindsey Hecht, U.S. product manager for soybean herbicides and glyphosate, Dow AgroSciences.
Scout often and throughout the entire season, Hecht says. Determine which weeds are uncontrolled and compete with crops for nutrients during important growth stages. This information will help gauge herbicide effectiveness and indicate which weeds might become larger problems next season, Hecht says.
Waterhemp, for example, is a highly competitive weed, especially in soybeans. Waterhemp can cause up to 40% soybean yield loss, according to University of Illinois research.
In soybean fields where waterhemp is an issue, using more residual herbicides can prevent it from emerging again.
“Don’t make the same mistakes from one season to the next,” Hecht says. “Yield diminishes and will never gain full potential once weeds begin crowding crops. With the right management program, growers can control annual weeds, including waterhemp, lambsquarters, marestail and cocklebur.”
When reevaluating weed management programs, Sonic herbicide and Surveil Co-pack herbicide provide long-lasting, residual control for ideal timing of a postemergence glyphosate application such as Durango DMA herbicide. For more information on weed control in soybean fields, visit www.SonicHerbicide.com.
Source: Dow AgroSciences
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