Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
The herbicide 3-amino-2,5-dichlorobenzoic acid (chloramben) was applied preemergence to soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in 1969, 1970, and 1971. Herbicide band widths were 18, 36, and 53 cm, and there was a broadcast treatment. Cultivation and rotary hoeing were also imposed on the herbicide band widths as variables. A 36-cm band of chloramben was the minimum band width used which consistently maintained soybean yield when supplemented with mechanical tillage. Broadcast treated soybeans without mechanical tillage yielded as well as handweeded soybeans in 2 of 3 years. Each 4 kg/ha of weed growth reduced soybean yield 1 kg/ha. Average weed yield reduction due to cultivation was 100, 76, and 54% in 1969, 1970, and 1971, respectively, when average weed yields were 360, 1650, and 4720 kg/ha in successive years. Rotary hoeing reduced weed growth 48% and increased soybean yield 20% in 1970 but did not significantly affect weed or soybean yields in 1969 and 1971.