At Fabian Seed Farms, we understand that effective residue and weed management are crucial for maximizing crop yields and minimizing long-term costs. Our innovative solutions focus on sustainable practices that enhance productivity while improving the effectiveness of herbicides.  Discover how you can advance your farming operations today with us! 

The Importance of Water pH in Herbicide Efficacy

Many farmers unknowingly fill their sprayer tanks with water that has a pH level between 7 and 9, which hampers the effectiveness of most herbicides. The majority of herbicides, including glyphosate, perform optimally in acidic conditions, ideally around a pH of 5 or lower. 

By adjusting the pH of your spray water, you can significantly enhance herbicide performance. Acidifying the solution prevents the active ingredients from binding with hard minerals and bicarbonates, ensuring that your herbicides are more effective. This improves the kill rate and reduces the overall amount of herbicide needed—ultimately cutting costs and minimizing environmental impact.

The Role of Fulvic Acid in Weed Management

Incorporating fulvic acid into your herbicide applications can further increase their effectiveness. Fulvic acids are carbon-based compounds that stabilize and “protect” nutrients and chemicals within the solution. This complexing (similar to chelation) enhances the herbicide’s uptake into the plant,  allowing for better absorption and distribution, which also helps improve the rainfastness.

Farmers who have utilized fulvic acid alongside pH adjustment have reported the following:

– Dramatic improvements in weed kill rates

– Enhanced control of weeds categorized as “suppression only” on herbicide labels

– Reduced herbicide application rates, with some farmers seeing reductions of up to 50%

You can foster a healthier farming ecosystem by improving herbicide efficacy and reducing the overuse of chemicals.

EcoTea™: The Ultimate Fungal Residue Digester

For those looking to cycle nutrients back into the soil rather than removing them, then EcoTea™ Fungal Residue Digester is the solution you need. This unique product introduces beneficial saprophytic fungi into your soil, which are specifically designed to break down tough plant materials like cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, significantly reducing the amount of nitrogen required to break these materials down.

Using EcoTea™ Residue Digester has shown:

• Increased available soil nitrogen levels
• Enhanced organic matter content
• Improved soil respiration rates
• Increased earthworm populations

This product is compatible with various tillage methods, including zero-till and minimum-till. By reintegrating nutrients into your soil, you can avoid the costs of baling and removing straw, ultimately improving your bottom line.