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Reduced tillage and increased soil moisture to increase winter
By Jason Gibson Retail Account Manager DuPont Sterling, Colorado Memories can start growing as short as the daylight this time of year. The hot weather we experienced late this summer on the High Plains can make us forget the cool, sluggish start to the growing season last spring. The heat units and moisture in August and early September helped the corn crop catch up in a hurry. Harvest may even be a little ahead of schedule, although it's still too early to tell how the temperature fluctuations will affect yields. The same factors that are helping the corn crop finish strong also may increase winter annual weed pressure this fall. Reduced tillage has become more common in my area in recent years, and it was only a matter of time before heavier weed pressure caught up with us. Add the higher soil moisture and I expect weeds, such as dandelions, prickly lettuce and marestail, to be more prevalent next spring. This increased pressure makes a fall herbicide treatment a smarter decision than ever. Controlling annual weeds this fall instead of next spring is much easier because they are smaller and less established. Canada thistle, in particular, is much easier to reduce stands with applications in the fall instead of the spring. Because weeds are smaller in the fall, growers often can obtain satisfactory control at the lower end of the recommended application rate range. Plus, controlling weeds now will help preserve valuable soil moisture through the winter and into planting time. The best time to treat is as soon as it is practical to get back into the field after harvest. Herbicides translocate better within weeks after a light frost, but we usually don't harvest in this area before a frost. Select a herbicide that controls the weed spectrum that currently is in the field, and consider how much residual will be needed next season. Tank mix herbicides with different modes of action, both to broaden the control spectrum and reduce the risk of resistance. Although corn acreage was up significantly this season because of strong market prices, some soybeans also were planted in the High Plains. While fall herbicide applications on fields intended for soybeans next spring can be beneficial, it is extremely important to review the rotation interval to corn. A strong market price for corn next spring may just change your mind. Although we are still a ways from harvest, now is a good time to begin thinking about fall weed control. Custom applicators and retailers are good sources of information about programs that will provide the best return on investment in each area. Best wishes for successful weed control this fall and into 2008. Editor's note: "Between the Rows" is brought to you by industry leaders in order to keep you informed about current growing conditions, regional practices, important management issues and environmental concerns. Date: 10/18/07
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