Weed management is one of the most important and sometimes one of the most expensive components of a soybean production program. Herbicides are a necessity in profitable soybean production. They are, however, only one component of a weed management program. Weed management is most successful when crop rotation, crop competition, cultivation, and judicious herbicide use are combined in a planned and coordinated program.
Herbicides should be used only as needed and only after careful consideration of the weed problems and the impact the weeds will have on production. Your county Cooperative Extension Center has computer software that can help you determine when weed populations exceed the economic threshold and, hence, help you determine when a postemergence herbicide application is justified. In addition, your Extension agent has software to help you determine the most appropriate soil-applied or postemergence herbicide or combination of herbicides to control the complex of weeds you have. This software is available for individual growers also.