Reduced herbicide doses in field crops: A review

Farmers are becoming increasingly interested in more comprehensive weed management programs that reduce weed populations over time and in the use of reduced herbicide doses that lower their production costs. Research indicates that there is good potential to reduce the number of herbicide applications and utilize lower herbicide doses within competitive cropping systems. Diverse crop rotations, competitive cultivars, higher crop seed rates, reduced row spacing, specific fertilizer placement, and cover crops have been identified as integral components of competitive cropping systems. This review paper explores the potential for successful use of reduced herbicide doses within competitive cropping systems that have a multiyear approach to weed management. The utilization of decision support systems or new methods of assessing active weed growth are discussed in light of further enhancing the successful use of reduced herbicide doses and advising farmers on when (and when not) they might be a viable option.