News & Events

Crop Corner – Fall Burndown and Next Year’s Plans

November 01, 2016

Combines have been rolling in full force around the country side. Most of the beans are off, wheat is in the ground and corn is starting to be harvested. There are some plans that should be put in place before the snow flies and the machines are put in the shed.

A fall burndown is a great option on bean acres that were not seeded to wheat. In the fall we are able to use chemicals that control problem weeds like dandelion, wild carrot and glyphosate-resistant fleabane. In the fall, perennial weeds are sending energy down to their roots in preparation for winter. When sprayed, glyphosate is translocated into the roots effectively killing the entire plant. Adding a Group 4 herbicide to the tank along with Round-Up brings a one-two punch to those weeds. Soybean fields that did not receive an in-crop application of glyphosate are more likely to have dandelion pressure this fall that could be easily and effectively controlled with a fall burndown. Give us a shout if you are interested in burndown options.

Most of the winter wheat in the area is in good to excellent condition. Fall is also a good time for weed management in wheat. Fields with dandelion pressure should be addressed this fall before the weeds have a chance to compete for moisture and rob yield in the spring. A fall application of Infinity is the best program to control dandelions in the fall. Products like 2-4D or Estaprop cannot be sprayed in the fall or else injury will result. A herbicide pass in the fall could save a pass in the spring if the wheat crop is thick and healthy.

Fall is a great time to consider a herbicide pass in both harvested soybean fields or in wheat fields. Effective control of weeds that are near impossible to control in the spring can be achieved in the fall with a relatively simple and economical program. We would be happy to work with you to develop a fall burndown program that will give your crops the best start next year.

This Crop Corner has been written by Elliott Armstrong, Sales Agronomist at Clark Agri Service.  Elliott can be reached by email earmstrong@clarkagriservice.com or by phone 905-981-0045