Farmers should look at developing an integrated weed management system

Farmers are busy reviewing seed test results and finalizing their cropping plans for the spring.

A key issue during the growing season is always weed control and its always important to pencil in some reserves just in case.

Weed Control Specialist Clark Brenzil says when thinking about weed control it's important to develop an integrated weed management system.

"Integrated weed management is the utilization of a broad range of agronomic practices in order to achieve your goal of weed control. Essentially it doesn't rely on any single one practice."

He says a key part of developing an integrated weed management system starts right at seeding.

"We'd be looking at things like changing our seed for planting populations, both increasing seeding rate and reducing row spacing. The whole idea there, is that you're making your crop more competitive against that weed. Not allowing it to grow in large numbers, really get a foothold and get ahead of your crop. You're utilizing the competitive nature of that crop to hold those weeds down."