Mix It Up
Diversify Your Crop Rotation
Annual crop rotation adds diversity, which increases the sustainability of the cropping system over time. It provides the platform for long-term crop management solutions meaning a well-planned crop rotation can:
Reduce the impact of weeds, insects, and diseases, leading to higher yields
Use more competitive crops to control weeds in some years
Provide diversified marketing options
Lower input costs in some rotational crops
Help manage crop residue
Diversify your herbicide program
Tackle Glyphosate Resistance
On the surface, trait rotation may seem like an effective way to manage glyphosate resistance. However, relying on trait and herbicide rotation alone is an ineffective approach to long term sustainable glyphosate use. Rather, use herbicide mixtures or herbicide layering every year within a diverse crop rotation to effectively manage weeds. Including wheat, barley, or pulses in a rotation provides more herbicide options and can decrease herbicide resistance risk.
- If tillage is an option, the mechanical weed control of this process adds another tool to your toolbox If tillage is not an option, take advantage of a pre-seed application.
- It is your easiest opportunity to include a tank mix in your herbicide program and control weeds from the start.
- Match the right herbicide based on your most difficult weeds
- Apply multiple herbicide Groups that are effective on target weeds
- Seed competitive varieties and increase seeding rates to enhance a crop’s ability to compete more effectively with weeds
- Vary seeding dates and decrease row spacing
- Use full-labeled rates, including the correct nozzle spacing, droplet size, and water volumes
- Avoid spraying at excessive speeds and apply during the best weather conditions
- Make sure your equipment is properly calibrated
- Rotate modes of action to manage herbicide resistance
- Weeds that possess the inherent ability to survive an application of certain herbicides eventually multiply and spread
- Control weeds before they produce seed to reduce the spread of resistant plants
- Clean equipment to prevent the spread of herbicide resistant weeds and seeds from field to field
More Mix It Up Resources
For resources and more helpful tips on how to effectively manage and delay resistance, check out our Mix It Up collection.