Early weed management is crucial to protecting the yield potential of soybeans.

With a cultivated area of 48.6 million hectares, according to data from Conab, and expectations of yet another harvest among the largest in history, the soy Brazilian agriculture begins another cycle in a scenario of increasing complexity in weed management. The expansion of resistant species, climatic variability between producing regions, and the increased adoption of pre-emergent herbicides make advance planning essential to preserve the productive potential of crops.

Although climatic conditions vary between regions of the country, experts warn that successful management begins even before sowing. Efficient desiccation of the area, combined with the correct choice of herbicides and the use of complementary mechanisms of action, reduces selection pressure for resistance and promotes uniform crop establishment.

According to Deborah Baruzo, Herbicide Portfolio Manager at ADAMA Brazil, the period preceding planting is crucial for soybean performance throughout the entire growing season. “Weed management is no longer a one-off decision but has become part of a long-term strategy. Correctly controlling weeds even before sowing reduces initial competition, protects the crop's yield potential, and helps preserve the effectiveness of available herbicides.”

Resistance requires more robust management programs.

In recent years, species such as bittergrass, goosegrass, buva and caruru Their economic importance has increased in several producing regions. The occurrence of populations resistant to different mechanisms of action reinforces the need for management programs that combine desiccation applications, residual herbicides, and constant monitoring of the area.

“The producer needs to view management as a complete program, and not just as an isolated application. The combination of different mechanisms of action is one of the main tools to extend the useful life of available technologies and ensure greater safety throughout the crop season,” emphasizes Deborah.

Efficient desiccation is the basis for a competitive crop.

During desiccation, completely eliminating weeds present in the area is essential to prevent soybeans from starting their development by competing for water, light, and nutrients.

In this context, Araddo®ADAMA's herbicide has important characteristics for this stage of management. It offers broad-spectrum control over grasses and broadleaf weeds, including difficult-to-manage species such as goosegrass, crabgrass, fleabane, and pigweed. Furthermore, its short interval between application and sowing offers operational flexibility without compromising crop safety. 

Pre-emergent herbicides are gaining ground on farms.

The adoption of pre-emergent herbicides has been growing consistently in recent growing seasons, driven by the need to reduce new weed emergence and protect the crop in the early stages of development.

For this stage, Apresa®ADAMA's product combines complementary active ingredients and an innovative formulation to provide residual control over important grasses and broadleaf weeds, helping to keep crops cleaner for longer and reduce the pressure on post-emergence applications.

According to Deborah, this strategy brings benefits that go beyond initial control. "When we start the crop season with a clean area protected by an efficient residual herbicide, we increase the predictability of management and reduce the need for emergency interventions throughout the cycle," she emphasizes.

Integrated management should accompany the entire crop cycle.

Even after soybean emergence, crop monitoring remains essential. Early identification of new infestation flows allows for more targeted interventions and prevents weeds from completing their life cycle, producing seeds, and increasing the soil seed bank.

In addition to the rational use of herbicides, practices such as crop rotation, use of cover crops, maintenance of crop residues, and alternation of mechanisms of action are fundamental to reducing the evolution of resistance and increasing the sustainability of production systems.

“Each harvest represents an opportunity to reduce weed pressure for the coming years. Integrated management is the way to preserve productivity, profitability, and the longevity of available technologies,” concludes Deborah.