Look out for winter annuals

Even though we experienced a cold, snowy spell in March, you should still be in the lookout for weeds emerging in fields.

Jason McArdle, manager of the Brandt Consolidated Lexington location, says growers who chose to make a fall herbicide application are happy because those fields appear to be clean so far. With the mild winter, things are already greening up in Central Illinois.

“It may be something we need to address once we get a little more favorable weather here,” said McArdle.

Weeds such as henbit, chickweed and marestail are common around here. McArdle says the weeds will die on their own, but it could be another month or more before that happens.

“Even if the temperatures aren’t ideal, you may want to get out there and hit them with something as simple as a 2,4-D glyphosate or maybe some Sharpen, if you have marestail issues, to try and address those before they get out of hand.”

Too many weeds covering a field can prevent the soil from warming up once the weather improves.

Addressing nutrient issues

Since we grow good crops here in Central Illinois, how to we take those crops to the next level? McArdle believes it starts with addressing micronutrient issues. Sulfur and Boron are the nutrients Brandt focuses on.

“Sulfur can provide value to the corn plant and is usually a good return on investment,” McArdle explained.

McArdle considers it a “worthy investment” to incorporate these nutrients into your crop plans.