As growers make preparations for spring planting, one of the major considerations on the farm is the control of weeds. With resources such as moisture and nutrients crucial to the success of the crop, minimizing the competition between weeds and crop plants is of the most importance. Typically, an herbicide application is used to remove weeds before they are able to establish alongside the crop. Over the years, however, the frequent use of the same group of herbicides has led to an increase in herbicide resistant weeds in many parts of the world. With the increasing difficulty in controlling weeds using herbicides, various cultural weed control methods are utilized such as tillage and weed seed destructors used on harvest equipment.
During the crop season, seeding equipment has a role to play in reducing the growth and viability of herbicide resistant weeds as well. It is important for fertilizer to be placed near the seed row, while maintaining seed safety, to ensure that nutrients are taken up by the crop instead of weeds that may be growing between the rows. The Seed Hawk dual-knife system ensures precise separation of fertilizer and seed, preventing fertilizer burn and promoting early nutrient access. Additionally, close proximity of seed and fertilizer results in quick, early crop growth which shades the weeds and prevents them from accessing sunlight.
For example, if an herbicide resistant weed has less access to nutrients, it will produce less herbicide resistant seeds which is especially important in weeds such as kochia which produces many seeds and can be dispersed over a great distance. Kochia is a weed that is especially susceptible to shading and with several herbicide groups now ineffective due to resistance, facilitating a quick crop canopy is a crucial tool in kochia management.
Cultural control options, combined with responsible herbicide group management will allow growers to control problem weeds and produce excellent crops for years to come. The Seed Hawk opener system is designed to facilitate quick nutrient access to the plant to produce the quick crop growth required to enhance cultural weed control.
For over 30 years, Seed Hawk’s innovative opener design has been the heart of the Seed Hawk Air Drill. Each independent dual-knife opener and packer assembly provide the precision seed-to-fertilizer placement required for outstanding emergence. Click here to learn more about the seed Hawk toolbars, offered in a variety of sizes with multiple spacing and seed placement options, enabling you to choose the right fit for your operation.
Väderstad Seed Hawk Air Seeders and Precision Delivery Air Carts Model Year 2026 are now available for purchase. Talk to your local dealer today.