Soil Herbicides/Management

No till

not disturbing the soil at all, leaving nearly all residue on top

-Creates network of biopores that intensive tillage doesn’t

Strip till

tillage is done to narrow strips where crop rows are planted

Ridge till

crops planted on ridges from previous cultivation, residue left on ridges

Mulch till

tilling entire soil surface, leaves a lot of crop residue on surface finger

Finger weeder

Removes small and emerging weeds to dry out in the sun, usually around the base of crop rows

Solarization

Effect decreases at deeper depths, tempt. soars to 140 F under plastic sheet

-Not effective against perennials or rhizomes, irrigation unnecessary except for light/sandy soil

-works best with clear plastic, black plastic warms soil but not enough. Can increase available nitrogen from accelerated decomposition

What are factors that impact herbicides applied to soils?

rate of application, herbicide formulation, herbicide placement, stage of plant growth, OM and textural class

How are soil-applied herbicides successful?

Absorption by seeds or developing seedlings, unintended contact with post-emergent herbicides via overspray