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2025 Weed Control Guide

Summary

Weeds reduce crop yields by competing for water, nutrients and light. Some weeds release toxins that inhibit crop growth, and others may harbor insects, diseases or nematodes that attack crops. Weeds often interfere with harvesting operations, and at times contamination with weed seeds or other plant parts may render a crop unfit for market. Profitable crop production depends on effective weed control­. Effective weed control in field crops requires the use of a combination of management techniques, including cultural methods and herbicides. Growing the same crop year after year and using the same weed control techniques encourage the development of problem weeds. Rotation of crops, herbicides and tillage methods help reduce this problem