Winter Annual Weed Response to Nitrogen Sources and Application Timings prior to a Burndown Corn Herbicide

Abstract EN

Autumn and early preplant N applications, sources, and placement may affect winter annual weed growth.

Field research evaluated (1) the effect of different nitrogen sources in autumn and early preplant on total winter annual weed growth (2006–2010), and (2) strip-till and broadcast no-till N applied in autumn and early preplant on henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.) growth (2008–2010) prior to a burndown herbicide application.

Total winter annual weed biomass was greater than the nontreated control when applying certain N sources in autumn or early preplant for no-till corn.

Anhydrous ammonia had the lowest average weed density (95 weeds m−2), though results were inconsistent over the years.

Winter annual weed biomass was lowest (43 g m−2) when applying 32% urea ammonium nitrate in autumn and was similar to applying anhydrous ammonia in autumn or early preplant and the nontreated control.

Henbit biomass was 28% greater when applying N in the autumn compared to an early preplant application timing.

Nitrogen placement along with associated tillage with strip-till placement was important in reducing henbit biomass.

Nitrogen source selection, application timing, and placement affected the impact of N on winter annual weed growth and should be considered when recommending a burndown herbicide application timing.