Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) Control and Soil Moisture Relationships in No-Tillage, Doublecropped Soybeans (Glycine max)

Field experiments were conducted in Princeton, KY, in 1982, 1983, and 1984 to evaluate johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense(L.) Pers. # SORHA] control programs in no-tillage, doublecropped soybeans [Glycine max(L.) Merr. ‘Essex′]. Sequential applications of sethoxydim {2-[1-(ethoxyimino)butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} or fluazifop {(±)-2-[4-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl] oxy] phenoxy] propanoic acid} at 0.2 kg ai/ha provided 36 to 94% johnsongrass control. The lower control values from these treatments were obtained in the droughty 1983 growing season while the higher and acceptable control ratings were obtained in 1982 and 1984 when rainfall was more plentiful. Preplant applications that contained glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] provided johnsongrass control greater than those containing paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bypyridinium ion). Soybean yields and soil moisture were greater with preplant applications of glyphosate than with preplant applications of paraquat or foliar applications of sethoxydim, fluazifop, or glyphosate. Greatest yields were obtained with a combination of a preplant application of glyphosate and a postemergence application of sethoxydim.