Trial Results: Effectiveness of Mankar-applied RoundUp mixed with Ground Herbicides
In June the results of trials which were conducted in 2007 were published in two German magazines/newspapers (Nadel Journal and Taspo). Read here about the main results:
Nadel Journal (Germany) June 2008
Report on the Effectiveness
of Mankar-applied RoundUp
mixed with Ground Herbicides
By Kurt Lange, Rolf Schroeder and Dr Jeannette Henrichs
Excerpts – Translated from German
Background
Originally the Mankar segment rotation nozzle was developped for undiluted application of glyphosate products (e.g. Roundup UltraMax). Application of other herbicides is also possible according to practical experience (e.g. Basta, Banvel M). The question came up whether the number of glyphosate applications per season could be reduced by adding a soil herbicide and if ULV technology is suitable for the application of mixed products. To find an answer, the German ALR (Institute for Rural Regions) in Lübeck conducted a trial in cooperation with Mantis in a Christmas tree plantation in Northern Germany.
For the trial a field of Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) has been divided into sections of 1 m width and 50 m length. Application was carried out on 16 July 2007. Two subsequent measurements of weed cover took place, on July 26th and August 31st
5 different product mixes were tried, and their results were compared with the sole use of Roundup UltraMax. Part of the experimental area was left untreated so as to assess the effectiveness of each option against an untreated area. A MANKAR-110 P was used for the application.
The applied quantities of herbicides are given in the chart below. The herbicides used were those approved in Germany. As these might be commercialized under other names in other countries, the active ingredients were added in the chart.
The glyphosate product was applied for the control of existing weeds with 2 l/ha in each case. The ground herbicides are aimed at preventing the sprouting/germination of new weeds. The mixtures varied significantly regarding their viscosity in comparison to Roundup UltraMax solo. Application quantity did not reach the intended quantity for some of the mixtures due to variations in the performance of the pump at various viscosity levels. (Mantis advises that more powerful pumps are available on request). The quantities actually applied were measured and are given in the chart. For combinations with Butisan and Katana it was necessary to add a bit of water (1 l/ha), the other mixtures were applied undiluted. Some mixtures require that the pump and nozzle be cleaned immediately after application. The mixture with Terano SC (not yet available as liquid herbicide in the trade) caused problems during application and seems not to be appropriate for this technology (see column “notes” in the chart). Adding U 46 M Fluid resulted in the best short-term result but the effect was not enduring, as expected.
The figures show that adding soil
herbicides delays the sprouting of new weeds. The most effective results were
obtained when mixing RoundUp Ultra Max with Katana.
Chart: Herbicides and applied quantities
Figure.: Total coverage with weeds in % (two rating dates)
Summary
As tree growth might be restrained due to frequent application of glyphosate there is an attempt to reduce the number of applications of this active ingredient per season. The trial showed that mixing glyphosate with soil herbicides slows down the growth of new weeds and thus enabling a reduction in the number of treatments with glyphosate. The combination with Katana was the most successful with only 4 % weed coverage after 6 ½ weeks. One can benefit from the advantages of ULV technology (low quantity of spray mixture, minimum risk of drift) for the tested mixtures. Due to the different characteristics of the mixtures (especially viscosity!) the flow rate has to be monitored and the dosage might have to be changed from the recommendation for standard Roundup UltraMax in order to achieve optimum results.
For further details/questions please contact us: mankar@mankar.eu