As temperatures rise and fields begin to thaw, preparing for the upcoming growing season is top of mind for many farmers. Among the most critical early-season tasks is effective weed control. Neglecting winter annuals can lead to significant yield loss—sometimes as much as 50%. Implementing a strong burndown strategy can set the stage for a successful season.

Preparing Equipment for Optimal Application

Spring weather conditions can be unpredictable, making it essential to have sprayers ready to go at a moment’s notice. Proper sprayer maintenance ensures effective herbicide application and minimizes downtime.

Key maintenance steps include flushing antifreeze products from the system, checking for leaks, and ensuring no residue buildup in the boom end caps. Wesley Everman, an Iowa State University Extension weed specialist, stresses the importance of this step:

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

Additionally, calibrating the sprayer for the correct gallons-per-acre setting is essential. While it may be tempting to conserve water, ensuring adequate spray coverage improves weed control effectiveness.

Strategic Planning for Effective Weed Control

A well-thought-out plan is crucial for maximizing burndown applications. Fields intended for early planting should be prioritized, as these areas need to be cleared of winter annuals before crops go in. Problem fields—such as those prone to excessive moisture—should also be addressed early to prevent weed overgrowth before spring rains arrive.

Drake Copeland, a technical service manager for FMC, advises keeping the approach straightforward:

“Keep it simple. There’s a lot of options out there, but go with what you know works and select the appropriate adjuvant.”

Farmers should also consider crop rotation and plant-back intervals when selecting herbicides to ensure they align with their overall planting strategy.

Choosing the Right Time to Spray

Timing is everything when it comes to spring burndown. Weeds need to be actively growing for herbicides to work effectively. Temperature plays a key role in this process, with optimal conditions requiring daytime temperatures around 50°F for several consecutive days.

Monty Parish, a Kentucky farmer, shares his approach:

“I want my air temperature to be a bare minimum of 40°F, and it’s helpful if the sun is shining.”

By monitoring the weather forecast and choosing the right window for application, farmers can maximize herbicide efficacy and reduce the need for additional treatments later in the season.

Evaluating Burndown Success

Unlike other aspects of crop management, burndown application success is often immediately visible.

“It’s an almost instant gratification. Within a few days, you know if the program has worked, because the weeds are either dead, or they aren’t,” says Parish.

Though spring burndown results may take slightly longer than summer applications, most farmers can expect to see effects within 10 days. Clean fields also offer additional benefits, such as improved soil conditions for planting and a reduced risk of insect and nematode infestations.

The Cost of Skipping Burndown

While early-season weed control requires time and resources, skipping this step can lead to bigger problems later in the season. Herbicide-resistant weeds like marestail can quickly become unmanageable, resulting in more costly interventions down the line.

Alternative suppression methods such as tillage or cover crops may be viable in some fields, but for many farmers, a well-executed burndown program is the best investment for long-term weed management.

Copeland emphasizes the importance of starting the season with a clean field:

“It’s a message we’ve heard for years, but starting clean and staying clean is more critical than ever. If there’s money to be spent on herbicides, the way you start the year is where you’ll see the best return on investment.”

By prioritizing effective weed control through a well-planned burndown strategy, farmers can set themselves up for a productive and profitable growing season.

To read the full article by Chelsea Dinterman, please visit How to Maximize Benefits of Spring Burndown Applications.