Five key factors affect herbicide performance: weed species/pressure, herbicide selection/rates, application, environmental conditions, and time of application. Strategies for maximizing performance include choosing the right product and right rate for the soil type; using a program approach; applying residuals at planting; making timely post-applications; and overlaying residuals, regardless of technology. It's never too early to diversify; there are very few new herbicide modes of action, and the development of resistance is ongoing. Cultural practices, such as cover crops and deep tillage, must become the foundation of herbicide programs.
