Weed Control
Keep weeds from reducing yield by choosing the right tool for their growth stage.
Small weeds: mechanical weeder
Act early. A weeder removes young weeds without the chemical penalty associated with herbicide. It is the cheapest and cleanest option where crop/row type allows it.
Larger/row-crop weeds: hoe
A hoe handles more developed weeds and row-crop situations where a normal weeder is unsuitable.
Late rescue: herbicide
A field sprayer with herbicide works broadly and can rescue a field after weeds are too large for mechanical removal, but the herbicide itself carries a small yield penalty. Prevention/early removal is therefore preferable for maximum yield.
Procedure
- Inspect the field as soon as the crop emerges.
- For small compatible weeds, use a weeder.
- For row crops or larger weeds, use a hoe if supported.
- If weeds are too advanced, apply herbicide with a sprayer.
- With crop destruction enabled, use narrow tyres on growing crop where available.
- Recheck the field after the pass to confirm weed coverage is cleared.
Equipment & tools
Open an equipment page for what the machine does, how to set it up and how to operate it.
Alternative options
Weeder
Use early; low consumable cost.
Use early; low consumable cost.
Hoe
Mechanical option for larger weeds.
Mechanical option for larger weeds.
Herbicide
Convenient chemical option using a sprayer.
Convenient chemical option using a sprayer.
Practical tips
- Inspect after germination so weeds are caught before they grow too large.
- Use narrow tyres for in-crop passes when crop destruction is enabled.