G92-1081 Factors That Affect Soil-Applied Herbicides

Authors

R. S. Moomaw, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Robert N. Klein, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Alex Martin, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Fred Roeth, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
P.J. Shea, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
G.A. Wicks, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
R. G. Wilson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

1992

Comments

© 1992, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Characteristics of soil-applied herbicides are discussed, including site of uptake by weeds, solubility, adsorption, persistence, leaching potential, photodecomposition, and volatility. For best performance, preemergence and preplant herbicides must be placed in the top 0 to 3 inches of soil. Placement is important because the herbicide must enter the germinating weed seedling in order to kill it. Herbicides can be blended into the soil by mechanical incorporation, rainfall, or sprinkler irrigation, depending on the herbicide. Herbicide characteristics that determine their performance are site of uptake by weeds, solubility, adsorption, persistence, leaching potential, photodecomposition, and volatility. An understanding of these factors will result in more effective herbicide use.