Why choose Harvest Weed Seed Control?

Farmers are increasingly looking for alternatives for weed control and managing problem weeds, like herbicide resistant weeds. Harvest Weed Seed Control (HWSC) is a non-herbicide weed management system of collecting weed seeds at harvest and destroying them or depositing them in a known location where they can be monitored and controlled later. The practice of HWSC collects weed seeds before they can populate the soil weed seed bank for future growth.

The concept of harvesting weed seeds to prevent future growth isn’t novel, but as farmers increasingly look for new weed management options, and innovative HWSC options become available, the adoption of this practice is growing.

A variety of HWSC systems are available to manage crop residue (including weed seeds). Two popular options include chaff lining and impact mills.

Chaff lining systems condense the weed seeds that enter the combine header out through a narrow chute in the back with the chaff fraction of the crop residue. This method controls the delivery of the chaff and weed seeds into compacted traffic lanes to significantly reduce weed germination. Chaff is divided onto enclosed conveyor belts and are placed in a narrow band on wheel tracks. From there, farmers can leave the residue to rot or target the chaff with a spray program. Redekop’s EMAR Chaff Deck offers farmers an option to upgrade combines with a chaff lining system.

Impact mills run the chaff through a mill that destroys the weed seed, which is then spread across the fields. This technology is usually considered the ultimate in HWSC. Redekop’s Seed Control Unit kills up to 98% of all weed species, including volunteers, that pass through a combine.

Weeds typically get harvested, or combined along with a crop, like wheat, canola or barley already. The weed seeds enter the combine along with the grain and most exit and are spread across the field in the chaff and straw. Controlling harvestable weed seeds by collecting or destroying them is the most effective weed control option.

Managing emerging weed populations at harvest decreases spring seedbed weed pressure and reduces overall emerging crop competition for moisture and nutrients. A cleaner spring seedbed will provide crops with their best start, including uniform emergence. Fewer weed seeds in the soil means reduced weed pressure and more effective season-long weed control.

Adding HWSC to a weed management system reduces the reliance on herbicides to control weeds. Fewer chemical applications immediately translate to cost savings in products, fuel, wear and tear on equipment, maintenance and labour. Reducing the reliance on chemicals to manage weeds can also help reduce the risk of developing herbicide resistance and ensure farmers have continued access to herbicide technologies to support sustainable production.

Herbicide resistant weeds are becoming an increasing problem. The cost of resistant weeds adds up – it’s estimated to cost Canadian growers an estimated $1.1 to $1.5 billion annually due to increased herbicide use and decreased yield and quality. That’s why effective weed management programs are essential. Whether you’re adopting systems to prevent resistant weeds or looking for a new way to combat herbicide resistance, HWSC offers solutions to reduce herbicide resistant weeds.

Limiting weed seed return to the soil and managing problems weeds will impact other crop management practices, like tillage and chemical application. Reduced herbicide use will directly impact bottom line savings. Farmers adopting HWSC may also adjust tillage practices, like reducing passes to manage weeds. Fewer weeds may also see farmers manage their fields with no till or minimal tillage systems, providing additional cost savings in fuel and new opportunities to invest in soil health.

Adopting a HWSC systems is an investment for your field and farm. For more information about HWSC, visit: