It is important to consider the basics when controlling weeds to maximize crop yield potential. If you want to ensure your herbicide application is adequate, you must also consider certain additives that aid in chemistry efficiency.

When looking to control weeds and maximize soybean yield potential, we must consider the basics. To ensure your herbicide application is adequate, you should also consider products with multiple sites of action (SOAs) and additives that will aid in chemistry efficiency.

When creating your herbicide management plans, start early so you secure the products you need and allow time to source alternative products if necessary. Utilizing nanotechnology, the correct spray nozzles, and incorporating water conditioners can help maximize your herbicide pass and improve your weed control program.

A successful herbicide pass starts with a solid pre-emergent weed control program. Prioritizing your pre-emergence application is the best way to ensure weeds are not a yield-limiting factor on your operation.

 data demonstrates the importance of utilizing a pre-emergent herbicide program with multiple SOAs (Figure 1). Including full application rates and multiple SOAs can help you fight the toughest weeds and combat herbicide resistance issues.

After crop emergence, monitoring emergence and growth is critical to controlling weeds when they are less than 4 in. Targeting smaller weeds increases coverage and decreases the number of growing points available for the weeds. Waiting to spray can result in harder-to-kill weeds or even herbicide-resistant weeds. Another consideration is to spray by the calendar date rather than waiting for weeds to flourish.

Many factors can affect the weed control obtained from a post-emerge application. For optimal weed control, target weeds when they are small to effectively control weed emergence. The post-emerge pass is essential to help bridge the gap between your pre-emergent herbicide application and crop canopy.

To view Beck's recommended herbicide application rates and products to combat weed resistance, check out our 

Nanotechnology is relatively new to agriculture but is being explored and used in medicine and pharmacology. The basic concept is to take a nanoparticle with a charged shell and bind additional molecules in order to improve uptake efficiency.

In our PFR studies, we've tested nanotechnology in foliar applications of micronutrients and fungicides. The results from two years of testing have demonstrated a consistent advantage to 

Beck's PFR team has not yet tested nanotechnology in herbicide applications, but the hope is that in doing so, we can provide greater penetration through the weed cuticles and tissues. This would allow for a slow and constant release of the active ingredients to improve soybean weed control.

HERBICIDE APPLICATION EQUIPMENT: SPRAY NOZZLES

The nozzle type you select for your herbicide applications will affect the amount of product applied, the uniformity and coverage of the product, and the amount of drift that can occur. A flat-fan nozzle is typically the best choice for broadcast applications thanks to its uniform pattern and good overlap capability.

A flat-fan nozzle recommended operating pressure is between 20 and 30 psi. Some chemistries like dicamba require specific nozzles that spray ultra-coarse droplets to help with drift reduction.

Water is typically used as a carrier to deliver chemicals to the targeted weeds, so it should be considered the foundation of your herbicide application method. Water sources vary by region and can often contain harmful properties that reduce the effectiveness of the spray pass. The most common issues are high pH levels (which break down the chemicals) and hard water (which prevents the product from properly 

adhering to the plant). Hard water with a high pH can impact the efficacy of the herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides you're applying.

Pesticide performance is best in slightly acidic water with a pH between 4 and 6.5. Pesticides, typically, are formulated as weak acids or neutral to weak-alkaline products. To maximize your herbicide performance and product efficiency, the spray solution should have a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.

Water conditioners can be easily tank-mixed and help lower the soil pH and add molecules that counteract these harmful elements. Testing the hardness and pH of your water source will determine what properties you are dealing with and what water conditioner suits you best. Products like Brandt Indicate 5® or Choice® Trio are 

 products and are great options to consider for your operation.

Reverse osmosis is a process that removes hard water ions like calcium and magnesium that bind with spray ingredients and render them less effective. Beck's PFR has not seen consistent results with reverse osmosis in two years of testing. However, at the Minnesota PFR site (which typically has very hard water) the 

 showed a consistent response in both yield and ROI with both products tested.

A holistic approach to herbicide management is crucial for maximizing soybean yield and profitability. This includes starting early with a pre-emergent program using multiple SOAs to combat weed resistance, followed by timely post-emergence applications targeting small weeds. Utilizing nanotechnology, the correct spray nozzles, and water conditioners can further enhance herbicide effectiveness. By integrating these strategies, farmers can effectively control weeds throughout the growing season, ultimately leading to increased soybean yields and greater profitability.