WEED CONTROL IN EARLY SOYBEAN PRODUCTION SYSTEM

Authors: Elmore, Carroll; Heatherly, Larry

Submitted to: Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Early Soybean Production System (ESPS; early-maturing cultivars planted in April-early May) offers an alternative to the Conventional Soybean Production System (CSPS; MG V and later cultivars planted in May and later) for the midsouthern USA. The ESPS will likely utilize narrow-row culture to accomodate the growth habit of indeterminate cultivars, and thus precludes use of POST cultivation for effective weed control. Thus, PRE and POST applied herbicides, probably broadcast, is a necessity for weed control in the ESPS. The weed control program must have efficacy for annual and perennial broadleaf and grassy weeds. The program must also be cost effective to allow for both high yields and high economic returns. For best results use of the ESPS will probably preclude preplant tillage to allow early planting of soybean in the spring. This is especially true for the clay soils of the Mississippi Delta, which are usually spongy because of the near saturation at planting time in the early spring. This predicates a stale seedbed planting system for ESPS in most cases. The stale seedbed planting system involves use of preplant, foliar applied herbicides to kill existing vegetation at planting. Along with this preplant application subsequent weed management depends upon a variety of PRE and POST herbicide applications. These will vary with the weed history of the site, cost of materials, price of soybean expected, and the individual desires of the producer. There is no single solution for all sites, and indeed a variety of solutions will work. Some guidelines are offered for options that may be chosen.