Preplant Applications for Field Corn
The newer dicamba formulations (Stryax, Engenia) are NOT labeled for this use.
Older formulations of dicamba (Clarity, Rifle, Sterling Blue) are labeled for this use, depending upon tillage system and soil type, as follows:
- PREPLANT AND PREEMERGENCE APPLICATION IN NO TILLAGE CORN:
- Apply 16 fluid ounces of Clarity, Rifle, or Sterling Blue per acre on medium-or fine-textured soils containing 2.5% or greater organic matter.
- Use 8 fluid ounces per acre on coarse soils (sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam) or medium-and fine-textured soils with less than 2.5% organic matter.
- PREEMERGENCE APPLICATION IN CONVENTIONAL OR REDUCED TILLAGE CORN:
- Apply 16 fluid ounces of Clarity, or Rifle or Sterling Blue per treated acre to medium- or fine-textured soils that contain 2.5% organic matter or more.
- DO NOT apply to coarse-textured soils (sand, loamy sand, or sandy loam) or any soil with less than 2.5% organic matter until after corn emergence.
Failure to follow these recommendations could result in excessive crop injury.
Dicamba is not needed for preplant in field corn. Dr. Prostko and I did some trial work a few years ago on preplant burndown options for field corn, and by far my favorite combo is Roundup or Gramoxone + atrazine. These combos will control most of our common winter weeds, and field corn can be planted immediately without concern for crop injury.
