Types of herbicides: features and tips for choosing

Herbicides are chemicals used to destroy unwanted vegetation, including weeds. They are an integral part of modern agriculture, helping to increase yields and reduce manual labor costs. However, in order to correctly choose and purchase herbicide, many factors need to be taken into account: the type of weeds, the crop, weather conditions, and the phase of plant development. In this article, we will consider the main types of herbicides, their features and give useful advice on choosing.

Main types of herbicides

1. By spectrum of action:
   Continuous-action herbicides destroy all plants without exception. They are used to clean fields before sowing, on roadsides and industrial facilities. Selective herbicides, on the other hand, affect only certain types of weeds, without harming cultivated plants. For example, there are special preparations for destroying broadleaf weeds in grain crops.
2. By method of penetration:
   Contact herbicides act only on those parts of the plant with which they come into contact, therefore they are effective against annual weeds. Systemic herbicides penetrate the vascular system of the plant, spreading throughout the body, and destroy it completely - which is why they are indispensable in the fight against perennial weeds.
3. By method of application:
   Soil herbicides are applied before or during sowing and work at an early stage, preventing weed germination. For their effective action, sufficient soil moisture is necessary. Post-emergence (foliar) herbicides are applied after weed seedlings have emerged and are often used to correct the situation in the field.

Tips for choosing a herbicide

Before choosing a herbicide, it is worth determining exactly what weeds you are dealing with - annual plants are easier to control with contact preparations, while systemic ones will be more effective against perennials. Be sure to consider what crop you are growing, because not all herbicides are safe for every type of plant. Weather conditions play a significant role: in the dry period, it is advisable to choose systemic herbicides, which are less dependent on soil moisture. It is also very important to consider the phase of weed development - young plants are destroyed more easily, so do not delay treatment. In some cases, a combination of several drugs gives good results, but such a decision should be made only after consulting a specialist or according to official instructions.

Herbicides are a powerful tool in the fight for a clean field, but the effectiveness of their use depends on the right choice. Take into account the type of weeds, crop characteristics, weather conditions and processing times. If you need professional advice or a quality drug, we recommend contacting the Vitasad online store, which offers a wide selection of herbicides from leading manufacturers at affordable prices.