Five-Step Weed Management Lesson

1. Research from 15 research trials at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) since 1998 has demonstrated 10% greater yield from soybeans produced with two-pass versus one-pass herbicide programs. The two-pass approach could include two post-emergence applications or a pre-emergence residual herbicide followed by a post application. The pre/post system encourages the use of multiple herbicide modes of action.
2. The average cost of weed control has declined drastically over the last decade. But the tendency is to cut production costs by trimming herbicide expenditures. Second herbicide applications may cost $10 per acre but typically return up to $30 per acre in SIU research. The return can be even greater on the first herbicide application.
3. The cost of herbicide-resistant weeds can be described in terms of the first year of weed control failure and the cost of managing resistant weeds in future years. Growers have experienced losses up to $180 per acre in the first year of herbicide-resistant weed problems. Weed control costs in future years could increase $15-$25 per acre. Herbicide options could be so limiting that row cultivation or incomplete control is possible.
4. Timely field scouting can help you identify new weed species that are of concern or determine if your current weed management system is still performing adequately. Early detection allows for a well-conceived approach to weed management instead of a potentially costly and ineffective rescue treatment.
5. Be proactive! Reactive strategies often risk effectiveness and cost.