Clean Fields for Greater Yields

How to maximize benefits of spring burndown applications.

- Chelsea Dinterman

After the quiet months of winter, warming temperatures and longer days often mean a mad dash to get the season started. Prioritizing weed management early is critical to reducing yield loss and future risks.

“Over the years, I’ve determined the burndown period is the most critical of the season,” said Monty Parish, a farmer in Henderson, Kentucky. “You only have one chance to kill winter weeds before you plant your crop.”

Sprayer Prep

The perfect application conditions are often hard to come by. When temperatures rise and the sun starts to shine, have equipment ready to go to minimize downtime.

Flush the sprayer of antifreeze products, and check the system for leaks and wear. Wesley Everman, an Iowa State University Extension weed specialist, recommends removing boom end caps to check for residue.

“Some products can have a clay base that leaves a residue that accumulates at the end of the booms,” he said. “As we get into the new season, we don’t want [old chemicals to contaminate] anything we’re spraying.”

Double-check that nozzles match recommendations for chosen chemicals and have favorable spray patterns.

“In the spring, coverage is huge,” said Drake Copeland, a technical service manager for FMC. “If a grower made a later application [last year], they may have switched to a nozzle that is unfavorable for burndown applications.”