FALL BURNDOWN: A VIABLE WEED MANAGEMENT OPTION

Weed management for 2022 begins now, with fall burndown applications. Fall is the best time to get a jump on weeds in a variety of situations, according to Ryan Peterson, Federated’s custom application manager at the Osceola location. Consider these applications:

To kill old or waning alfalfa or grass/alfalfa stands.

- Glyphosate controls these stands better in the fall than in the spring; an additional spring application of 2,4-D/dicamba is likely necessary to completely kill it off, but waiting to do all the burndown in the spring will limit effectiveness.

To control biennial and perennial weeds.

- Overwintering gives the weeds an advantage. Fall burndown will attack the weeds at their most vulnerable stage (biennials, for example, are more vulnerable in the rosette stage).

To control broadleaves in pastures (and lawns).

To control dandelions as they emerge, which they do, in both fall and spring.

Using a systemic herbicide in fall burndown applications through October – glyphosate for grasses and 2,4-D or dicamba for broadleaves – can help control most perennials; herbicides get into the root systems as weeds continue to grow while temperatures remain at or above the mid-50s F. Check the weather report before application; avoid cold nights and cool, cloudy days to get the best ROI on the herbicide application.

Your Federated Agronomist can help with any questions on fall burndown. Peterson added, “Call to schedule your fall burndown application sooner than later. Winter is right around the corner.”