By Clint Schroeder OSU Extension
Each fall Ohio State University Extension conducts a survey of the different types of weeds present in soybean fields, as well as, the level of infestation. Weed Science State Specialist Dr. Mark Loux leads this study and uses the information gained to help develop future weed management programs. This study is conducted in each county where there is an Ag and Natural Resources Educator. The educator selects a route 80-100 miles long through the county and takes notes on one soybean field in each mile.
A total of 82 soybean fields were observed in Allen County this year. Waterhemp and volunteer corn were the most prevalent and present in 30% of the observed fields.
2021 Allen County Weed Survey Results
Compared to the previous years there has been a large increase in the number of fields with waterhemp. 2021 also saw a sharp decline in the number of weed free fields observed on the route. More general information about soybean herbicide management strategies may be found in the 2021 Ohio Weed Control Guide. To read more about waterhemp here is a previous article from the C.O.R.N Newsletter: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-12/it%E2%80%99s-all-about-weed-seedbank-%E2%80%93-part-2-where-has-all-waterhemp