Whether you run a full-scale agricultural operation or have a vegetable garden in the backyard, herbicide is essential for keeping weeds away from your crops. While choosing the right product is an important step, you also need to take care when applying the chemicals. Below are a few common mistakes to avoid when protecting your plants. 

What Are Common Herbicide Application Mistakes?

1. Not Knowing Your Equipment

Most weed control products have instructions describing how many ounces to use per acre. However, unless you know the flow rate of your equipment, you might not be able to control the distribution. 

Running a few tanks of pure water over an area will help you determine how long it takes to empty the equipment. This will help you decide how much to use to achieve an even saturation.

3. Spraying During Bad Weather

Applying an even coat of herbicide provides maximum coverage and ensures the plants don’t get overloaded with chemicals. High winds result in uneven concentrations, and rain can wash substances away before they penetrate the soil. When using weed-controlling chemicals, wait for a calm day with clear skies.

4. Not Monitoring Treatment

After spraying, you’ll need to check the fields regularly to ensure the herbicide is working. Inspect the crops a week after application and look for signs of thriving weeds. Some areas may need spot treatments, or you might have to reapply over the entire field if the unwanted plants are particularly resilient. 

5. Not Maintaining Equipment

If left to dry, herbicides can block up nozzles and leave hard deposits inside hoses and pumps. These obstructions can make future applications less effective and further damage the equipment. After each application, take every tool apart and thoroughly clean each piece according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

With locations in Gassville and Mountain Home, AR, Gregg Farm Services offers exceptional customer service and custom-blended products that can be tailored to your unique needs. They offer everything you need at the farm or around the house, including a complete line of herbicides, animal feed, and fertilizers. Visit their website to learn more about their unique approach to customer service, or follow their Facebook for tips and advice. To contact their Gassville location, call (870) 481-5165. Dial (870) 701-5173 to speak to someone at their Mountain Home store.