Strategies for Early Season Weed Control

Early season weed control sets the tone for the rest of the growing season.

Delayed herbicide applications allow weeds to grow larger and harder to manage, ultimately reducing yield. "The only way to maximize your corn yield is to stay clean the entire season," said Shawn Hock, U.S. corn herbicide brand manager for Syngenta. "Two- to 4-inch waterhemp can consume 13.4 pounds of nitrogen, costing up to $24 an acre."

Winter annual and early summer annual weeds compete with crops for moisture, nutrients, and sunlight. They can also interfere with planting and serve as hosts for harmful insects. "We need to control weeds when they're most vulnerable - before they emerge," Hock said. "With how tough weeds are to control today, we need to start with the right herbicides to keep fields clean."