The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, Feb. 4 continues unchanged from the last several weeks. The six to ten-day outlook (Feb. 11-15) indicates a 60-70% chance of likely below normal for temperatures and a 33-40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Feb. 13-19) indicates a 33-40% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and near normal for precipitation.
In spite of our recent weather, planting season for 2025 summer row crops is just around the corner. One of the most important aspects of planning is the design of a weed control program. This involves not just herbicides but a concept termed Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Herbicides are likely part of the concept but it involves a wide range of considerations: sanitation, cultural practices, mechanical control, and herbicides. It involves a great deal of planning and the ability to adapt quickly. Today, briefly, what goes into IPM?
• After determining what crops will be planted where, the next step is to determine the weed and herbicide history of the field. What are the problem weeds? What herbicides were previously used over the last several years? Are there herbicide resistance issues with glyphosate, atrazine, etc.? Do I have to rethink the crop for that field based on these problems?
• Next, depending on the crop, what possible GMO or non-GMO traits are available in the hybrids/varieties? Do they fit my cropping program? How much will it cost for these traits? A producer should look at the average production history of the field and determine if the cost is worth it?
• Determine the weed control plan. Chemical control only? Tillage only? A combination of tillage and chemical control? Preemergence chemical application only? Post-emergence weed control only? Pre- plus post- emergence application. Do I use a soil-applied residual? If I use a residual, what effect will it have on my crop rotation considerations? This is a difficult choice as the increasing occurrence of herbicide resistant weeds has led to more tillage for weed control. That can waste soil moisture and lead to a greater chance of wind and water erosion. There are chemical options available to overcome resistance but they tend to be more expensive.
• One last item. A great deal of thought must be given to selecting herbicides with different active ingredients, what kills the weed. It’s not simply a different chemical name. Each active ingredient belongs to a group. They are grouped by how they kill the plant and each group targets a different system/tissue. We have to use a variety of modes of action to prevent resistance from occurring.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
