The Different Ways to Apply Pesticides and Herbicides on Farmland

When it comes to managing pests and weeds on farmland, particularly for row crops like corn and soybeans, proper pesticide and herbicide application is critical. Selecting the right method for application can enhance crop protection, maximize yield, and minimize environmental risks. In this blog, we’ll focus on the different types of application methods that are commonly used on row crops such as corn and soybeans. Whether you’re dealing with weeds, insects, or diseases, understanding the best ways to apply these products can save you time and money while promoting healthy crops.

Different Types of Pesticide and Herbicide Application Methods on Row Crops

Aerial Application for Corn and Soybeans

Description: Aerial application uses airplanes or drones to spray pesticides or herbicides over large fields. This method is common for large-scale corn and soybean farms, where ground-based equipment may be inefficient or difficult to use.

Best For:

• Large Corn and Soybean Fields: Aerial application is often the best option for covering large tracts of land quickly.
• Hard-to-Reach Areas: Fields that are waterlogged or too muddy for ground equipment.

Advantages:

• Speed: Aerial spraying can treat hundreds of acres in a single day.
• Uniform Coverage: It provides consistent coverage across the entire field, which is ideal for pest and weed control on large farms.
• Reduced Soil Compaction: Since there’s no ground equipment involved, you avoid compacting the soil.

Disadvantages:

• Chemical Drift: The risk of pesticide drift is higher, especially in windy conditions, which can affect nearby crops or non-target plants.
• Cost: Aerial application can be more expensive than ground methods.

Tip: For optimal results, monitor the weather carefully to avoid high winds or temperature inversions, which can increase the likelihood of drift. Learn more about safe aerial application practices at The National Agricultural Aviation Association.

Ground Application (Boom Spraying)

Description: Ground application, particularly through boom sprayers, is one of the most widely used methods for row crops like corn and soybeans. Boom sprayers are large devices mounted on tractors with several nozzles spaced along a long arm (the boom), which sprays herbicides or pesticides uniformly over the crops.

Best For:

• Precision Application: Ground spraying is great for fields that are easily accessible by tractor.
• Targeted Spraying: If certain areas need more attention than others, ground spraying allows for precise application.

Advantages:

• Precision: Offers more control than aerial spraying, with adjustable nozzles to reduce off-target spray drift.
• Flexibility: Boom sprayers can be used for both pre- and post-emergence herbicide applications, making them versatile for different stages of crop growth.

Disadvantages:

• Speed: Ground sprayers are slower compared to aerial methods, making them less efficient for very large fields.
• Soil Compaction: Frequent passes across the field with heavy machinery can cause soil compaction, which can limit root growth and reduce yields.

Tip: Calibrate your boom sprayer regularly to ensure even application and reduce the risk of over- or under-application. Learn more about boom sprayer calibration at Sprayers 101.

Pre-Plant Herbicide Application

Description: Pre-plant herbicide application occurs before planting crops. This involves applying herbicides to control weeds and grasses that could compete with emerging crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight. In many cases, pre-plant applications are made through ground sprayers or even aerial methods.

Best For:

• Weed Control Before Planting: Pre-plant herbicides are ideal for controlling early-season weeds.
• Conservation Tillage Fields: Pre-plant herbicides are often necessary for no-till or reduced-till fields, where mechanical weed control is minimal.

Advantages:

• Weed-Free Start: Keeps early-season weeds in check, allowing crops to emerge without competition.
• Efficient Application: When timed correctly, a single application can prevent weed problems for much of the growing season.

Disadvantages:

• Weather Dependence: Pre-plant herbicides must be applied before rainfall, as the herbicide needs moisture to be activated and integrated into the soil.

Tip: Pre-plant herbicides work best when combined with other integrated weed management strategies, including crop rotation and post-emergence applications.

Post-Emergence Herbicide Application

Description: Post-emergence herbicides are applied after the crop and weeds have emerged from the soil. These herbicides target weeds while leaving the crop unharmed. This type of application is essential for fields where early-season weed control is needed but some late-germinating weeds emerge later in the season.

Best For:

• Weed Control After Emergence: Ideal for controlling late-season weeds that weren’t caught by pre-plant treatments.
• Resistant Weeds: Post-emergence herbicides are effective for dealing with herbicide-resistant weed species.

Advantages:

• Selective Control: Many post-emergence herbicides target specific weeds without harming the crop.
• Flexibility: Can be used as a follow-up to pre-plant herbicides or in place of them if weeds weren’t a problem early on.

Disadvantages:

• Weed Resistance: Repeated use of the same post-emergence herbicides can lead to weed resistance over time.

Tip: Rotate herbicides with different modes of action to reduce the risk of developing resistant weeds. Learn more about herbicide resistance management from The Weed Science Society of America.

Fertilizer/Herbicide Combination Application

Description: In some cases, herbicides are combined with fertilizers in a single pass using specialized equipment. This saves time and labor by applying nutrients and controlling weeds simultaneously. This is particularly useful in fields where both fertility and weed control are top priorities.

Best For:

• Fields Requiring Both Nutrients and Weed Control: Combination applications are especially useful for large-scale corn and soybean fields.

Advantages:

• Efficiency: Saves time by combining two applications into one.
• Cost-Effective: Reduces labor and machinery costs since fewer passes are needed.

Disadvantages:

• Less Flexibility: If crops require different timings for herbicides and fertilizers, a combination application may not be as effective.

Tip: Ensure the equipment is properly calibrated to apply both the herbicide and fertilizer at the right rates. For best practices, check out more resources from Michigan State University Extension.

Best Practices for Applying Pesticides and Herbicides on Row Crops

Regardless of the application method you choose, following these best practices will improve efficiency and safety:

• Monitor the Weather: Apply pesticides and herbicides on calm, wind-free days to avoid chemical drift and maximize application accuracy. Avoid hot, sunny days, as chemicals can evaporate before reaching their target.
• Use the Right Nozzles: For ground application, using the correct nozzle type and size will help control the spray pattern and reduce drift. Consult your equipment manual or an agronomist for nozzle recommendations.
• Calibrate Equipment: Whether you're using ground sprayers or aerial methods, always calibrate your equipment before use to ensure accurate application rates.
• Follow Label Instructions: Every product has specific guidelines for application rates, safety, and timing. Always follow label instructions to ensure you’re using the product effectively and safely.

For detailed guidelines on pesticide safety and application, check out EPA’s Pesticide Worker Safety Resources.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pesticide and herbicide application method for row crops like corn and soybeans is essential for effective pest and weed control. Whether you opt for aerial spraying, ground application, or a combination approach, understanding the best practices for your farm’s needs will ensure success while minimizing risks.

By selecting the right method and following best practices, you can protect your crops and boost yields without sacrificing environmental or human safety.

Need advice on pesticide or herbicide management? Contact Whitaker Marketing Group for expert insights on maximizing your farm's productivity and profitability.