It seems that effective weed control grows more complex with each passing year. The goal for successful crop production is an Integrated Weed Management (IWM) program that reduces pressure in the weed seed bank and enables your crops to reach their full genetic potential. How can you achieve that goal? Your IWM should combine multiple weed control methods to achieve sustainable and effective weed management. Let’s take a closer look at some of the elements of a successful IWM strategy.
Get to know your weed challenges
Regular field scouting is essential to identify weed species, assess weed pressure, and monitor herbicide efficacy. By better understanding your weed challenges, you can expect better control and better crop establishment. You’ll also reduce pressure from the weed seed bank, which will pay dividends across crop and years. Digital tools like FieldView™ can help to map weed infestations and track control performance over multiple seasons.
Use multiple weed control tactics
IWM involves using a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods to manage weeds. Consider practices such as crop rotation, cover crops, and mechanical weed control to reduce weed pressure. For example, by rotating crops you can use different crop protection products on the same field to target problem weeds. With a different crop, you could be able to lower your input costs, diversify your marketing or rotate to a crop that does a better job of competing with weeds.
Rotate herbicide groups and track your rotation
Rotate herbicides with different modes of action to prevent the development of herbicide-resistant weed populations. For example, products like Varro® FX have a dual-action formulation, which makes it an excellent choice for herbicide rotation. Try out the herbicide tool chatbot at: ExpertControl.ca to explore tank-mix options and create an effective herbicide rotation strategy. With ExpertControl.ca you can get tailored recommendations for corn herbicides like Laudis®, Pardner®, and Roundup®, as well as pre-burn cereal herbicides like Huskie™ PRE, and in-crop cereal herbicides such as, Cirray®, Infinity®, Infinity® FX, Varro FX, and Velocity®.
Calibrate your sprayer
Of course, it’s important to apply herbicides at the recommended weed and crop growth stages to maximize control. It’s also essential that your sprayer is ready to apply product at the right rate. Ensure your application equipment is properly calibrated to achieve uniform coverage. You can check calibration when you move the sprayer out of its winter storage. Check for plugged lines and nozzles, too, and flush with water. You may also consider checking calibration when switching from one herbicide or crop to another field.
Reduce your environmental impact
Follow best practices for herbicide use to minimize environmental impact. This includes following label directions, avoiding runoff into water bodies, and using buffer zones to protect non-target areas.
By following an Integrated Weed Management strategy, you can achieve effective weed control and maximize your crops’ yield potential. In fact, following an Integrated Weed Management strategy will go a long way towards ensuring the future of your farming operation.
Want to learn more about Integrated Weed Management? Bayer Crop Science has some resources to share. Have a look at the Mix It Up learning module. Better still, contact your local Bayer Crop Science expert or try the chatbot tool at: ExpertControl.ca
Services and products offered by Climate LLC are subject to the customer agreeing to our Terms of Service. Our services provide estimates or recommendations based on models. These do not guarantee results. Consult with your agronomist, commodity broker, or other industry professional before making financial, farming, or risk management decisions. More information at https://climatefieldview.ca/legal/disclaimer. FieldView™ is a trademark of Climate LLC, Bayer CropScience Inc. licensee. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Bayer, Bayer Cross, Cirray®, Huskie™, Infinity®, Pardner®, Roundup® and Varro® are trademarks of Bayer Group. Used under license. Velocity® is a registered trademark of Bayer Group or its licensor. Used under license. Bayer CropScience Inc. is a member of CropLife Canada. ©2025 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.