Optimize Spring Burndown Applications

Spring burndown applications — common in no-till acres — can help you in the fight against weed resistance. Darrin Holder, regional agronomist, WinField, says this proactive approach is critical. “Once herbicide resistance takes root on a farm, in-crop opportunities for control are limited.”

Holder shares the following advice to help you optimize burndown applications this spring.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Effective weed control starts by asking the right questions. First, work with your agronomist to outline your crop rotation schedule and field history. List recurring weed problems and signs of herbicide resistance. Don’t limit your analysis to your acres; examine conditions in neighboring fields. If a neighbor is fighting resistance, it’s likely that seed will be in your fields soon.

THINK LONG TERM
Even a small patch of resistant weeds left unchecked one year can become a big problem the following season. “Develop a multi-year, multi-crop strategy,” advises Holder. “If you're battling resistant Palmer amaranth, it can be worth investing in a burndown treatment before this year’s corn crop to protect next year’s soybean crop.”

PRESCRIBE THE BEST TANK MIX
Herbicides with residual control extend burndown benefits, helping crops stay clean during critical stand establishment. “Even small weeds can rob emerging crops of valuable moisture and nutrients,” says Holder. “If you take away moisture and nutrients, you take away yield potential.”

For tank-mix options, visit winfield.com or reach out to your local WinField retailer.