Interestingly there is a lot of buzz about using grass herbicides to burndown small grain cover crops and annual ryegrass. Most of the conversations also include tank-mixing the grass herbicide with 2,4-D or dicamba and applying as a March/April burndown.
Prior to making the effort and spending a significant amount of money, it might be wise to review the grass herbicide label itself for the level of control the product offers. Additionally, you may find value in the data we generated in 2021 (Figure 1). A couple of important clarification notes regarding our research are 1) the application was made on Feb 28 last year when conditions were cooler, 2) we did not mix with dicamba or 2,4-D, which could influence grass control likely not in a good way (i.e. antagonism), and 3) this is data from only one location.
When considering your burndown treatment for 2022, research suggests the value of glyphosate may be at its maximum for the burndown application if grasses are present in the field. Thus, we would encourage staying with the burndown program that you know is successful if anyway feasible. Planting into weed-free fields, with the lack of some postemergence herbicides this year, will be extremely important.
Once grassy weeds, as well as other broadleaf weeds are mature, Gramoxone (paraquat) + diuron + COC (cotton), Gramoxone + Atrazine + COC (field corn), our Gramoxone + Valor + 2,4-D + COC (peanut) are fantastic options (grains must have seed heads). It appears, at least currently, that most of our winter weeds are maturing at a faster rate than in the past so this treatment may be a timely option.
Tillage is also a very effective option as you well know, just be cognizant implementing steps to avoid erosion.
