In the heart of America’s breadbasket, a silent battle rages on—one that doesn’t involve tractors or combines, but rather, the persistent and pesky weeds that threaten the productivity of corn and soybean fields. A recent study, led by Zaim Ugljic from the Department of Plant and Agroecosystems Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, sheds light on the current state of weed management practices and the potential for innovative technologies to turn the tide in this ongoing struggle.
The study, published in the open-access journal ‘Frontiers in Agronomy’ (which translates to ‘Frontiers in Agronomy’ in English), surveyed over 120 growers, advisors, and applicators across the U.S. Midwest to understand their weed control practices, major weed escapes, and perceptions of targeted spraying technologies. The results reveal a region divided, with distinct weed pressures and management strategies in the Western and Eastern U.S. Midwest.
In the Western U.S. Midwest Region (WUMR), encompassing Kansas and Nebraska, Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, and foxtail species are the top weed escapes in corn fields, while soybean fields are plagued by Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, and volunteer corn. Meanwhile, in the Eastern U.S. Midwest Region (EUMR), which includes Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, foxtail species, waterhemp, and giant ragweed are the primary concerns in corn fields, with waterhemp, giant ragweed, and volunteer corn causing the most trouble in soybean fields.
Despite these regional differences, one thing is clear: over half of the growers surveyed are using a two-pass herbicide application program, combining preemergence and postemergence treatments with layered residual. However, the study also highlights a significant opportunity for innovation, with nearly half of the respondents believing that novel targeted spraying technologies could help control late-season weed escapes.
“Targeted spraying technologies have the potential to revolutionize weed management in corn and soybean cropping systems,” says Ugljic. “By enabling more precise application of herbicides, these technologies can not only improve weed control but also reduce the environmental impact and costs associated with traditional broadcast spraying methods.”
Yet, the path to widespread adoption is not without its challenges. The study found that more than 75% of respondents are unsure whether these technologies will be adopted in the operations they manage in the future, with nearly half indicating the need for more information to support their decision. This uncertainty underscores the importance of outreach and education efforts to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation.
Moreover, the study highlights the potential role of commercial applicators in advancing effective herbicide strategies and targeted spraying technologies adoption, particularly in the Eastern U.S. Midwest Region. By leveraging the expertise and resources of commercial applicators, growers may be able to overcome some of the barriers to adoption, such as the need for new equipment and specialized training.
As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, the findings of this study serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding regional weed control practices and stakeholder perspectives in guiding the development and adoption of novel weed management technologies. By embracing innovation and fostering collaboration among growers, advisors, applicators, and other stakeholders, the U.S. Midwest can continue to lead the way in sustainable and productive corn and soybean production.
In the words of Ugljic, “The future of weed management lies in our ability to adapt and innovate, and this study provides a crucial stepping stone in that journey.” With the insights gained from this research, the agricultural community can work together to overcome the challenges posed by weeds and ensure the long-term success of corn and soybean cropping systems in the U.S. Midwest and beyond.