2019 Spring Farm Outlook

2019 Logan County Farm Outlook Magazine Lincoln Daily News March 21, 2019 Page 9 on the performance during our Stewarded Introduction has been extremely positive, as growers have been very impressed with both the weed control as well as the formulation advancements we have made, reducing the potential for drift and volatility.” There are many advantages to the new Enlist combinations starting with what Dow considers to be superior weed control. Through that control, producers anticipate higher yields as hard-to-kill weeds no longer rob fields of moisture and nutrients. [Additionally, the Enlist herbicides are reported to have easier application with better drift control.] In August of 2017, Dow officials made the following statement in an article published in Successful Farming. “The Enlist Duo herbicide that contains 2,4-D choline has 87% and 96% reduction in volatility compared with existing 2,4-D amine and 2,4-D ester formulations, respectively. Meanwhile, Enlist Duo cuts drift potential 90% compared with older 2,4-D formulations when applied using low-drift-potential nozzles, say Dow officials.” The label recommends spraying the product in wind speeds between three and 10 miles per hour. They caution the products should not be applied in wind speeds of 15 miles per hour or higher. It is also recommended that wind directions should be moving away from susceptible crops including vegetables and fruits. There are also serious warnings regarding temperature inversion and the company is adamant that the wind speed should be at least three miles per hour to avoid suspension of the product in the warmer air masses. From the Enlist website: A temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air covers a layer of cooler air and acts like a lid, preventing the cooler air from rising and dissipating into the upper atmosphere. During a temperature inversion, spray particles can become trapped in the warmer layer of air and stay suspended until the wind increases. Gases, then, can move off target into neighboring fields, lawns and gardens and may cause injury to susceptible crops. Calm winds, clear skies and long nights increases the likelihood of a temperature inversion occurring. Temperature inversions often form when: n Wind speeds are 3 mph or less n During late evening or early mornings when temperatures are within 5 degrees of the nighttime low n Fog is visible during dawn or dusk. “We want a light wind — 3 to 10 miles per hour — when making a herbicide application,” says Haley Nabors, herbicide trait field specialist. Within a temperature inversion, applied products can move great distances. Continue 8