Whether it's for weed control or to prepare a field for a different crop next season, fall burndown programs will help lighten the workload when spring rolls in.

Fall burndown also can provide better weed control than spring herbicide applications for some of the more hard-to-manage weeds. And, if fall lingers, post-harvest herbicide applications can prevent weed seeds from germinating.

Jake Hansen, Federated agronomist at the Rush City location, noted that fall contact/systemic herbicides "need at least 7-10 days of decently warm weather to take effect on weeds."

A tank mix of 2,4-D and glyphosate "will do a decent job on hay ground," said Hansen, "and it is cheap," said Hansen. Fall burndown on alfalfa, especially Roundup Ready alfalfa, is essential if the field will be going to beans next spring.

For a program with residual weed control for planting soybeans next year, and for no-till ground, Afforia® is a great product, according to Hansen. Afforia can be tank mixed with 2,4-D, dicamba, glyphosate, or glufosinate. (See Afforia and Fall Recommendation fact sheets.)

Don't wait until harvest is over to discuss fall burndown and weed control options. Call your Federated Agronomist today.