As spring approaches, forage weeds can become a problem. Certain herbicides can be applied but timing is critical.

To get a sense of which herbicides can be used before a specific cover crop species and which can’t, Purdue University weed scientist Bryan Young compiled research from the University of Wisconsin, Purdue University, University of Missouri and Penn State University, as well as commercial research conducted by retired University of Illinois Extension agronomist Mike Plumer.

Early season weed control is imperative to maximize soybean yield. Many soybean growers were unable to apply pre-emergence, residual herbicides prior to soybean emergence.