A large-plot field experiment was conducted at Keiser, AR, from fall of 2010
through fall of 2013 to understand to what extent soybean in-crop herbicide
programs and postharvest fall management practices impact Palmer amaranth
population density and seed production over three growing seasons. The
effect of POST-only (glyphosate-only) or PRE followed by (fb) POST
(glyphosate or glufosinate) + residual herbicide treatments were evaluated
alone and in combination with postharvest management options of soybean
residue spreading or soil incorporation, use of cover crops, windrowing
with/without burning, and residue removal. Significant differences were
observed between fall management practices on Palmer amaranth population
density each fall. The use of cover crops and residue collection and removal
fb the incorporation of crop residues into soil during the formation of beds
were the most effective practices in reducing Palmer amaranth population. In
contrast, the effects of fall management practices on Palmer amaranth seed
production were inconsistent among years. The inclusion of a PRE herbicide
application into the herbicide program significantly reduced Palmer amaranth
population density and subsequent seed production each year when compared to
the glyphosate-only program. Additionally, the glufosinate-containing
residual program was superior to the glyphosate-containing residual program
in reducing Palmer amaranth seed production. PRE fb POST herbicides resulted
in significant decreases in the Palmer amaranth population density and seed
production compared to POST application of glyphosate alone for all fall
management practices, including the no-till practice. This study
demonstrated that crop residue management such as chaff removal from the
field, the use of cover crops, or seed incorporation during bed formation in
combination with an effective PRE plus POST residual herbicide program is
important for optimizing in-season management of Palmer amaranth and
subsequently reducing the population density, which has a profound impact on
lessening the risk for herbicide resistance and the consistency and
effectiveness of future weed management efforts.