Effects of Tillage on the Efficacy and Persistence of Clomazone in Soybean (Glycine max)

Abstract

Experiments were conducted in 1985 to 1987 to evaluate the effects of conventional and no-tillage systems on the weed control provided by clomazone applied preemergence in soybeans. The persistence of clomazone in soil of the two tillage systems was also determined. Increasing the clomazone rate from 0.8 to 1.4 kg/ha did not increase weed control. Clomazone controlled 80% or more of jimsonweed, velvetleaf, and giant foxtail. Common cocklebur control ranged from about 50 to 70% in no-till and from 80 to 90% in conventional tillage. Generally, soybean pods/plant and yields were lower from clomazone treatments than from handweeded treatments due to inadequate common cocklebur control. Over 40% of the clomazone applied did not reach the soil surface; it was either intercepted by wheat straw, volatilized, or both. Clomazone persisted longer in conventional tillage than in no-tillage in. However, in 1986, clomazone was equally persistent in the two tillage systems. The half-life of clomazone was 34 and 6 days in 1985 in conventional and no-tillage, respectively, and in 1986, 18 and 16 days in conventional and no-tillage, respectively. Significant clomazone concentrations were not found below 10 cm in the soil profile. Corn planted without tillage (no-till) approximately 1 yr after clomazone application was not injured and yields were not reduced due to prior clomazone use.