Post-Residual for Soybeans

Planting is basically wrapped up, and next week looks to be a big week for second-pass soybean applications across our area. With some soybeans being planted later this season, many pre-emerge herbicides have now been out for six weeks or more. That falls right in line with the normal residual life of many of those products, and we are beginning to see weeds breaking through in fields with smaller soybean plants.

As a result, many growers are making their second-pass applications when soybeans are not as tall and are farther from canopy closure than we would typically like. This is one reason I have been recommending a residual herbicide in all of my post-trip applications so far this season. Adding a residual product allows us to control the current flush of weeds while also providing an additional weed-free window for soybeans to continue growing and move closer to canopy closure.

There are several effective residual products available for post-emerge soybean applications. Outlook, Warrant, and Dual are among the more popular options, and all have proven effective at helping keep weeds under control while soybeans gain height and canopy density. Maintaining clean fields during this period can be critical to maximizing yield potential and reducing late-season weed pressure.

If you have questions about using a residual herbicide in your post-emerge soybean program or would like more information on a specific product, contact your local SFG agronomist. We would be happy to discuss your options and help determine the right fit for your fields.