Pre Emergent Herbicide For Corn And Soybeans
Corn and soybeans are two of the most valuable crops grown in the United States. They are key ingredients in many products, ranging from food to biofuels. However, when it comes to growing these crops, there is a major problem that farmers face: weeds. Weeds can compete with the crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight, which can result in a reduced yield. To combat this issue, pre-emergent herbicides have been developed. These herbicides are designed to be applied to the soil before the crops emerge, preventing weeds from growing and competing with the crops. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about pre-emergent herbicides for corn and soybeans.
What Are Pre Emergent Herbicides?
Pre-emergent herbicides are a type of herbicide that are applied to the soil before weed seeds germinate. These herbicides work by inhibiting cell division in the growing weed seed, preventing it from developing into a mature plant. Pre-emergent herbicides can be either selective or non-selective. Selective herbicides target specific types of weeds, while non-selective herbicides will kill any plant that it comes into contact with.
Why Use Pre Emergent Herbicides for Corn and Soybeans?
Weeds are a major problem for corn and soybeans. They can reduce the yield of the crop by competing for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Weeds can also provide a habitat for pests and diseases that can damage the crop. Pre-emergent herbicides can prevent weeds from germinating, reducing the competition for resources and improving the yield of the crops.
How Do Pre Emergent Herbicides Work?
Pre-emergent herbicides work by inhibiting the plant hormone auxin, which is necessary for cell division in plants. When a weed seed attempts to germinate, the herbicide prevents it from developing into a mature plant by halting cell division. The herbicide is applied to the soil, where it remains until a weed seed comes into contact with it. The herbicide is then absorbed by the weed seed, preventing it from growing.
When Should Pre Emergent Herbicides Be Applied?
Pre-emergent herbicides should be applied before the weed seeds germinate. The best time to apply them is in the spring, before the crops emerge. This will give the herbicide time to work before the weeds have a chance to grow. Timing is critical when it comes to pre-emergent herbicides. If they are applied too early or too late, they may not be effective.
What Pre Emergent Herbicides Are Best For Corn and Soybeans?
There are several pre-emergent herbicides that are effective for corn and soybeans. One of the most popular is Atrazine. Atrazine is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds and grasses. It is effective for both corn and soybeans and can be applied post-emergent in some cases. Other effective pre-emergent herbicides for corn and soybeans include Dual II Magnum and Outlook.
What Are The Benefits of Pre Emergent Herbicides?
Pre-emergent herbicides offer several benefits for corn and soybean farmers. They can improve the yield of the crops by reducing the competition for resources with weeds. This can result in a higher profit for the farmer. Pre-emergent herbicides are also environmentally friendly, as they reduce the need for other types of herbicides that can be more harmful to the environment. Finally, pre-emergent herbicides are easy to apply and require minimal labor.
Conclusion
Pre-emergent herbicides are an effective way to control weeds in corn and soybeans. They work by inhibiting the growth of weed seeds before they have a chance to germinate. Farmers can choose from a variety of pre-emergent herbicides, including selective and non-selective options. Pre-emergent herbicides offer several benefits, including improved yields, environmental friendliness, and ease of application.
