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Hannah Mathers, Ohio State University Extension, Horticulture and Crop Science |
Once you have selected the herbicide that will work best for you, be sure your spray equipment is properly calibrated to deliver the right amount of herbicide. Recent surveys have indicated that 63% of growers erred in 10% or more of herbicide applications (Cranston, 1995). Over-application can result in crop damage and waste of money. Under applying can cause poor weed control and again waste money. The majority of herbicide problems are a result of inaccurate application. Equipment calibration is essential to implementing your weed control program properly.
Soil preparation is also very important. Most preemergents require well-worked soil, moist and smooth, free of clods and trash, to obtain uniform chemical distribution.
Lastly, timing is key. Early diagnosis of your weed problems and early treatment cannot be overemphasized. You don't want to get behind in weed management (Neal, 1999). Remember Oscar Wilde's instruction that experience is the greatest teacher. If our experiences have taught us nothing else, in ornamental weed control, it is to avoid the problems of dealing with weeds that are beyond the point of successful control.