Weed Control on Beet Fields

A good sugar beet harvest can be achieved if protective measures against weeds are carried out correctly and in a timely manner. The chemical procedure must be both safe and effective. Positive results in weed prevention are achieved by those vegetable growers who take into account the following points:

1. Degree and nature of weed infestation.
2. Characteristics of the plot.
3. Dosages and methods of herbicide application.

If the requirements of preventive measures are followed, the crop will reward with quality and volume.

Types of Treatments

When using herbicides during sugar beet sowing, preference is given to either combined or pre-emergence systems. The first type of treatment involves simultaneous application of soil chemicals and spraying during vegetation. The pre-emergence system is sequential. The crop is sprayed periodically during its growth.

Preparations: Features and Efficacy

To protect seedlings from annual weeds, soil herbicides are often purchased. Note that they are completely ineffective against perennial weeds. The efficacy of these herbicides also depends on the following factors:

• Soil mechanical composition;
• Presence of humus;
• pH level of the soil solution;
• Soil moisture.

The higher the buffer capacity and soil volume, the more soil herbicides will be required. Thus, the dosage automatically increases. The effectiveness of chemical substances is also affected by temperature, although they begin to act even at temperatures from +6 to +12 °C.

Before purchasing soil herbicides, attention should be paid to the main active ingredient. High-quality preparations are based on:

• Metamitron;
• S-metolachlor;
• R-dimethenamid;
• Chloridazon.

They are applied strictly before sugar beet seedlings emerge, and weather conditions should also be taken into account. If post-emergence prevention was not carried out in time, such a treatment can save the situation. For applying the preparations, a special device — a boom sprayer — is used. Typically, the material consumption for treatment does not exceed 400 liters per hectare. Soil herbicides should be applied to the top layer — the first 3 cm. Proper incorporation ensures good contact of active ingredients with soil moisture, resulting in a higher effect. To eliminate weeds, it is advisable to purchase tank mixtures of soil herbicides.

The use of herbicides during root crop vegetation is very specific, as sugar beet in the cotyledon stage is highly sensitive. Herbicides with radical action may cause a series of negative changes. For pre-emergence treatment, experienced vegetable growers recommend purchasing herbicides of the betaine group with the following active ingredients:

• Ethofumesate;
• Fenmedifam;
• Desmedifam.

The first acts through the soil, while the latter act through the leaves. Preparations containing the mentioned components can prevent the appearance of many weeds. When using betaine-based substances, it is necessary to follow temperature norms. The optimal temperature for application should vary within +15 to +25 °C. In hot weather, it is advisable to postpone planned activities. Regarding the time of day, the treatment should be carried out before 6 a.m. starting from late evening. Non-compliance with temperature norms leads to the following negative consequences:

• Seedling death;
• Leaf burns;
• Disruption of crop development.

Sudden temperature drop is a stress for sugar beet. If herbicides are applied during cold weather, they will not be beneficial.

Tank mixtures also help in weed control. They effectively eliminate various pests. For vegetation treatment, you need a boom sprayer equipped with slot nozzles. When purchasing, note that approximately 200-300 liters of liquid will be required per hectare of field. In this case, any savings are unnecessary, as they negatively affect the result.

Proper approach to weed prevention, adherence to hygiene and ecological norms — guarantee of a high sugar beet harvest. The company Hectare offers to purchase herbicides and receive informative consultation regarding their use.