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| Wet weather spurs weed growth on Ohio farmland |
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May 11 and the fields are green. We should be happy…right? Wrong for the most part. With the exception of hay, pasture, oats and wheat (and we have potential challenges looming with wheat … more on that later), the field greenery and other colorful fields we see is evidence of rampant growth of winter annuals, spring germinating annuals and perennial weeds. It appears that last fall, farmers took advantage of good field conditions to concentrate on a host of field activities, but not application of fall weed control products.
When the weather does finally break, and field conditions are conducive to equipment traffic, crop producers are going to be challenged with a host of demands. Weed control prior to planting is likely to be shoved down the list. Our first priority should be to get the crop planted. No doubt seeding corn and soybeans through a growth of weeds may cost us down the road, but likely not as much as losing yield due to additional planting delays.
As a long-term advocate of weed control programs that limit the potential development of weed resistance, the previous recommendation almost sounds hypocritical on my part. However, as I write this column and review the long range forecast, it is apparent limited opportunities to plant corn and soybeans better be utilized to put seed in the ground. Fortunately, a wide array of herbicides should help us “catch up” once seed is properly placed in the soil.
It was good to hear from several farmers this week who have revamped their weed control programs to reflect time management challenges just around the corner (we hope). Dealers have also confirmed that crop producers are actively tweaking weed control strategies to preserve precious hours to seed crops as timely as possible.
Crop farmers are saying that intentions are to plant designated corn acres right up to the crop insurance deadline or even several days beyond. With inputs already on hand, crop insurance payouts and projected or contracted corn prices point to a sustained acreage at least through the first week of June. Dairy and other livestock producers may stretch out the corn planting date even further.
Indiana and Ohio farmers should be reviewing the 2011 Weed Control Guide for Ohio and Indiana to check out herbicide programs that allow flexibility in case fields have to be switched from intended corn to soybeans. Whereas 2,4-D might be an excellent choice for weeds like marestail, dandelion and other broadleaves in a burn down, and to provide assistance to reduce the incidence of weed resistance, you might be best advised to leave it out if there is any chance its use might delay planting. Ratcheting up glyphosate rates is likely to be necessary anyway due to advanced growth stages of grassy weeds.
Choosing residual products that can be used to enhance burn down of existing weeds is also advised. Also be sure to include the necessary spray additives to maximize desiccation of weeds present.
This is a year that burn down of existing vegetation (including cover crops) prior to planting may be a risky venture. The last thing you want is a mat or mulch dead organic material that retains moisture and prevents planting into a field fit to traffic.
Back to the wheat challenges mentioned earlier. Last year’s nightmare with wheat head scab has farmers and dealers nervous about the proper selection, timing and application of fungicides more than ever before. Gain timely access to the scab forecasting system (www.wheatscab.psu.edu) by clicking on this link: http://scabusa.org/fhb and complete the form with requested information. |
| 5/12/2011 |
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