One of the major factors for a successful growing season is addressing any weed issues prior to planting a soybean crop. When farmers choose to work the ground and apply a pre-emerge herbicide, they lower the need for a burndown. However, for growers who prefer no-till or strip-till, it is extremely important to clean up the weeds with some type of burndown plan.

Studies have shown when there is a delayed application of herbicide, yields are greatly impacted. This is because many winter annual weeds have become established, and other seedlings can germinate and begin to grow. These weeds are now a competitor against the newly planted crop. Anytime a field is sprayed once a soybean crop is up, that crop is put under stress and the result is yield loss.

So, what kind of burndowns can you use? Historically, glyphosate was a great option as it offered farmers a nice clean slate. However, with glyphosate-resistant weeds, it is no longer a good choice for broadleaf weeds. Here are some options based on the type of soybean crop you are planting this season. Best results are achieved when a pre-emerge residual herbicide is used in conjunction with the burndown.

Conventional, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, or Liberty Link® Soybeans:

• Roundup® (Great on grass control)
• Gramoxone®
•  2,4-D Ester: 1 pint per acre (Needs to be applied at minimum of 7 days before planting)
• Liberty® plus AMS (If it’s still effective)

Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® Soybeans:

• Xtendimax®
• Engenia®
• FeXapan®

Enlist™ Soybeans:

• Enlist One™
• Enlist Duo™

In order to get the best performance out of each one of these burndowns, it is necessary to spray when there are actively growing weeds. Weather conditions are considered ideal when sunny and daytime highs are at least 70 degrees and nighttime lows are at least 50 degrees. 

While there are other good substitutes out there for burndown, it is always best to follow label instructions for each one.  Always consider the kind of weed and size of weed in order to get the best control out of your product. Want a second opinion before you spray? Contact your local LG Seeds Technical Team Agronomist – they’re here to serve you! 

Download a copy of this technical bulletin here: Early Burndown Applications for Soybeans

References: and additional information:

1. https://www.ilsoyadvisor.com/on-farm/ilsoyadvisor/preparing-spring-burndown
2. https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/weedscience/Documents/Spring%20Burndown%20Applications.pdf
3. https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/pestcrop/2010/issue2/PDF/BurndownHerb.pdf
4. https://agfaxweedsolutions.com/2018/01/29/spring-burndown-works-doesnt-midwest-midsouth/