Herbicide Application in Precision Farming Based on Soil Organic Matter

In the present study, the influence of soil properties on pre-emergence herbicide effectiveness was estimated in bioassays. Dose-response experiments were carried out to estimate the relationship between soil organic matter content and herbicide efficacy. Two weed species (Alopecurus myosuroides and Stellaria media) and two herbicides (pendimethalin, chlorotoluron) were included in the experiments. In bioassay trials on soil with varying organic matter content, dose-response curves were estimated for pendimethalin and chlorotoluron. Effective dose (ED50) values were calculated. The experiments were conducted in a climate chamber under defined conditions. The results demonstrate that the efficacy of soil-applied herbicides is related to the soil organic matter content within agricultural fields. Therefore precise usage with variable herbicide application rates can be part of a precision farming concept. A reduction in herbicide is possible.