Sustainable weed control tested in Minnesota fields

By Scout Nelson

In McLeod County, Minnesota, a farmer is testing a new weed control solution that originated in Australia, known as harvest-time weed seed control. This method uses a rotating mill attached to the combine, which pulverizes weed seeds during harvest to prevent them from spreading in the field.

This innovative approach could offer a sustainable solution to combat herbicide-resistant weeds.

“Being in the next generation of farmers, if you’re not looking for new ways of doing things, you shouldn’t expect different results,” says the farmer. By partnering with the University of Minnesota, he is part of a 15-state trial designed to explore the effectiveness of this technique.

Many common herbicides have lost their effectiveness as weeds develop resistance. Certain mature weeds can produce up to half a million seeds each year, overwhelming fields if left uncontrolled. According to University of Minnesota weed scientist Debalin Sarangi, addressing this issue requires diverse management techniques, such as crop rotation, cover crops, and mechanical methods.

This weed control method was initially developed by an Australian farmer in collaboration with scientists and engineers. The rotating mill concept shows promise but has some challenges, including noise and limited flexibility in the field. However, it has already demonstrated potential in managing weeds in various environments and could be beneficial for organic farming.

“A weed’s job is to produce more weeds, and they are very good at it,” says Greg Dahl, president of the American Weed Society. The aim is to keep finding new ways to manage weed growth without relying solely on chemical herbicides.

As farmers, scientists, and industry professionals continue to collaborate, mechanical weed control methods like harvest-time weed seed control may become a vital tool for sustainable crop management. Sarangi emphasizes that innovation in agriculture is an ongoing journey of exploring new possibilities and adapting to challenges.

Photo Credits:gettyimages-zoomtravels