Herbicides

Herbicides are chemicals designed to control weeds. The use of these materials must be exact for satisfactory results. Proper rate selection, timing of application, activation, and observance of all precautions on the label must be followed to obtain optimum performance. Each herbicide controls certain weeds or families of weeds. Therefore, knowledge of the type of weed species present in the field is essential for good weed control. Once the weed problem is known, select the proper herbicide.

SEARCH HERBICIDE LABELS​

Why You Need a Pre-emergence Herbicide

Applying a pre-emergence herbicide can buy you time, so post-emergence application is not as costly or time consuming.

Dr. Larry Steckel
 The University of Tennessee

Ingrated Cover Crops and Herbicide Research

Research conducted by University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and University of Georgia examines the integration of cover crops and residual herbicides in cotton for weed control.

Drake Copeland
 The University of Tennessee

Important Points to Consider before Using Herbicides:

  • Be aware of the proximity of sensitive crops to the field being sprayed with herbicides.
  • Read the instructions on the herbicide label carefully.
  • Pay close attention to the weather ON THE DAY SCHEDULED FOR SPRAYING. (Read more at “Spray Today.”)
  • Insure before spraying that the equipment has been properly cleaned of all residual herbicides, the nozzles are appropriate for the job, the boom height is correct, and the sprayer is properly calibrated to reduce the possibility of drift. (Read more at “Sprayer Setup.“)
  • Be aware of the potential volitivity of the herbicide to be sprayed
  • Consider any future uses for the field to be sprayed.
  • Keep good records of what herbicides are used, what fields are sprayed, when they were sprayed, how often they were sprayed.
  • Be aware of potential run-off into sensitive areas or into irrigation water.
  • Inform neighbors of any plans to spray.

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