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OSU Extension

College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

CFAES
April 13, 2015 - 8:28am -- Anonymous

Once we get past this recent stretch of rainy weather and fields dry out, it will be full bore into the planting season.  Cover crop termination will be needed on some fields.  Factors that influence the effectiveness of herbicides as a termination option include temperature and crop growth stage.  Temperature is particularly important when using herbicides that need to be translocated within the plant because plants should be actively growing for this to occur.  Glyphosate is commonly used as an herbicide option to terminate cover crops but its effectiveness decreases when nigh temperatures fall below 40 degrees.  The growth stage and the height of the cover crop will determine the rate of herbicide that must be used.  As the height increases, generally the herbicide rate will need to increase and possibly the gallon/acre rate may increase to insure better coverage.  Cover crops like winter wheat and cereal rye are best controlled before jointing stage.  Annual ryegrass, another common cover crop can be very difficult to control and the recommendation is to apply herbicides at 6 inches or less of height.  Finally, recognize that depending upon the herbicide used, the herbicide rate, and the intended crop to be planted, there could be planting restrictions.  Contact the Wayne County Extension office at 330-264-8722 for more information about cover crop termination.