In the sprawling soybean fields of Primorsky Krai, Russia, a groundbreaking study led by Tamara Morokhovets from the Far Eastern Research Institute of Plant Protection has unveiled new strategies to combat weeds, potentially revolutionizing agricultural practices and boosting yields. The research, published in the BIO Web of Conferences, delves into the effectiveness of tank mixtures of soil and foliar herbicides, offering insights that could significantly impact the agricultural sector.
The study, conducted over two years in 2022 and 2023, explored the biological activity and economic efficiency of various herbicide combinations. Morokhovets and her team found that the tank mixture of Zenkor Ultra 0.25 l/ha + Dual Gold 0.65 l/ha was particularly effective in suppressing a wide range of annual cereal species and Asiatic dayflower. “This combination showed remarkable results in controlling these weeds, which are notorious for their resilience,” Morokhovets noted.
The research also highlighted the effectiveness of higher doses of the same mixture—Zenkor Ultra 0.5 l/ha + Dual Gold 1.5 l/ha—in controlling common ragweed and common lambsquarters, reducing their wet aboveground weight by a staggering 77–99%. However, the study revealed that lower application rates were less effective against these species but showed promising results against other weeds like crested elsholtzia, bunges smartweed, common mugwort, and curly dock.
The sequential application of foliar herbicides, including Flex, Fusilade Forte, Eventus, and Vidblok Plus, further enhanced the control of dicotyledonous weed species. This approach not only improved weed management but also led to a significant increase in soybean yield. The study reported yield increases of 1.21–2.01 t/ha compared to the control and 0.67–1.22 t/ha more than when using only soil preparations.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For soybean farmers in Primorsky Krai and beyond, these findings offer a roadmap to more effective weed management and higher yields. The economic benefits are clear: better weed control means healthier crops and increased productivity, which can translate into substantial financial gains for farmers. Moreover, the environmental impact of reduced herbicide use cannot be overlooked, as more targeted applications can lead to lower chemical runoff and a healthier ecosystem.
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, the integration of these findings into commercial practices could shape future developments. Farmers may adopt these tank mixtures and sequential application strategies, leading to more sustainable and profitable farming methods. The research by Morokhovets and her team, published in the BIO Web of Conferences, serves as a beacon for the future of agritech, demonstrating the power of scientific innovation in addressing real-world challenges.