Agronomy Comprehensive Questions and Answers for Weed Control 2024 Update, 100% Solved

Explain the five major categories of weed control methods? i. Preventive Methods of Weed Control - Any method that prevents the establishment of weeds in a pasture or across a farm is considered preventive weed control. - Examples of preventative weed control would be using certified weed free seed, only transporting hay that is weed free, making sure farm equipment is cleaned before moving from one location to another, and screening irrigation water to prevent weed seeds from traveling along irrigation ditches. ii. Cultural Methods to Control Weed Growth - Any technique that involves maintaining field conditions such that weeds are less likely to become established and/or increase in number. Examples of cultural weed control would be crop rotation, avoiding overgrazing of pastures or rangeland, using well-adapted competitive forage species, and maintaining good soil fertility. iii. Chemical Methods of Weed Growth Control - Any technique that involves the application of a chemical (herbicide) to weeds or soil to control the germination or growth of the weed species. - In economic terms, chemical control of weeds is a very large industry and there are scores of examples of chemical weed control products. - Common examples of chemicals used to control weeds in forages are 2,4-DB; EPTC; bromoxynil; and paraquat.