Agronomy Library > Feature Farmer

Pre-seeding Weed Burn-down in Direct Seeding - Update April 17, 2008
Author: Mirza N. Baig and Peter Gamache
Date Created: April 13, 2008
Last Reviewed: April 17, 2008
Adoptions of direct seeding systems technology, whether zero or minimum tillage is rapid in Canada because of inherent environmental (soil conservation, greater soil moisture and improved soil quality) and economical (reduced labor, fuel, equipment requirement and higher yields) benefits. Direct seeding systems require effective weed burndown programs that successfully control weeds prior to planting to ensure seeding into a weed-free seedbed for competitive stand establishment and rapid crop growth. On the Canadian prairies, a number of chemicals are registered for pre-seed burndown weed control programs in direct seeding systems.  The objective of this report is to  (1) describe the weeds present prior to seeding in direct seeding systems (2) investigate their relative emergence timing (3) investigate chemical control options (4) provide guidelines for weed management in burndown systems. Download the pdf for a detailed 8 page factsheet.