By Scout Nelson
Farmers in South Dakota are facing challenges this season due to strong winds and recent heavy rains. These weather conditions have delayed pre-emergence herbicide applications after planting.
Usually, farmers spray herbicides shortly after planting to stop weed growth, but weather has pushed back those plans. Now, many are wondering what to do next.
The most important step is to scout the fields. Farmers need to check whether the crop or weeds have already started to grow. This will help decide whether to move forward with the herbicide already on hand or choose a new product.
For corn, many pre-emergence herbicides can still be used after the corn has come out of the soil. This method is known as early post-emergence. If herbicide was applied earlier but there was no rain, weeds might still break through. However, those herbicides can still prevent new weeds from growing.
For soybeans, the situation is different. Some common herbicides such as Valor, Spartan, and Tricor should not be sprayed on soybeans that have already emerged. These can damage or kill the plants.
However, other herbicides in Group 15, like Warrant, Dual Magnum, and Outlook, can safely be used even if soybeans have started growing. These products only work on the soil, so if weeds are already visible, farmers will need to add another herbicide that targets the leaves.
Since many herbicides are mixed with other chemicals, it’s important to read the product label carefully. Labels tell you what the product contains and whether it's safe to use on crops that have already sprouted.
If a pre-emergence product can't be used anymore, farmers may need to switch to an early post-emergence plan that still protects against future weeds.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Soybeans, Sustainable Agriculture, Weather