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As autumn rolls on, proactive turf management becomes crucial for maintaining healthy surfaces. This approach involves preparing grass for the seasonal changes ahead. One task that can make the role of a turf manager easier is applying a pre-emergent herbicide.
Weed Management in Turf Using Pre-emergent herbicides
Autumn marks the transition from warmer to cooler temperatures. During this period, we apply pre-emergent herbicides to target weed seeds before they can germinate, effectively stopping them from growing.
Pre-emergent herbicides form a protective barrier that controls germinating weed seeds in the top layer of the soil. There are many products available on the market. Each product has its own application rates, mode of action, and claims about how long they last for weed management in turf. These are important factors to consider when determining the right product to use in each situation.
Herbicide Resistance Management
There are 4 pre-emergent herbicide mode of action groups registered for use on turf in Australia. Some weeds are no longer controlled by certain chemicals. It is important to vary the chemicals used in weed control to avoid these resistant weeds. This will help prevent the growth of weeds that are resistant to the chemicals.
Group 3 (Formerly D)
Barricade
Battallia 435
Onset 10 GR
Group 14 (Formerly G)
Ronstar G
Oxa-Fert
Echelon Duo
Group 29 (Formerly O)
Specticle
Group 15 (Formerly K)
Pennmag
Weed Lifecycle Management
Many weed species in Australia synchronise their lifecycles with seasonal changes. We disrupt the lifecycle of weeds by targeting them in the autumn. This helps minimise their impact during the growing season.
Targeting weeds at a vulnerable stage is effective. It disrupts their lifecycle and reduces their impact.
Reduced Competition
Weeds compete with your turf for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. By applying pre-emergent herbicides in autumn, we proactively reduce weed competition, your turf to grow more vigorously.
Longer Lasting Control
Pre-emergent herbicides create a barrier in the soil that inhibits weed seed germination for an extended period. Applying them in autumn will create a barrier before weeds start growing, giving better control all season long.
You can read more about pre-emergent herbicide products here: