. Agri-news. Agriculture. October 28, 2002 Bioassay an important tool following a drought year Residue from herbicides put down in 2002, and in some cases in previous years, could present another problem to producers in 2003 Most herbicides need moisture for chemical or microbial breakdown The dry conditions experienced throughout most of Alberta this past growing season can mean far lower than expected rates of herbicide breakdown in cropland "Some herbicides that were applied in 2002 or previously have not broken down completely," says Keith Topmka, extension agronomist with Albert
. Agri-news. Agriculture. October 28, 2002 Bioassay an important tool following a drought year Residue from herbicides put down in 2002, and in some cases in previous years, could present another problem to producers in 2003 Most herbicides need moisture for chemical or microbial breakdown The dry conditions experienced throughout most of Alberta this past growing season can mean far lower than expected rates of herbicide breakdown in cropland "Some herbicides that were applied in 2002 or previously have not broken down completely," says Keith Topmka, extension agronomist with Alberta Agriculture. Food and Rural Development, Edmonton "The remaining herbicide may produce damage symptoms in some crops Higher levels of residue are more likely to occur in areas that have experienced one or more years of dry conditions, and that's a pretty good description of the weather in Alberta for the last two years" To ensure growers don't have problems in 2003 they should: • Read the label - the rccropping section on each herbicide's label, or found in Alberta Agriculture's Crop Protection 2002 publication, gives information on what crops can be grown safely following application Other labeled restrictions for these herbicides, such as organic matter and soil pll should also be noted • Follow the label - the instructions on the label state which crops are sensitive to the herbicide Knowing that residue levels are likely higher than expected, producers can get an idea of what crops would be more or less tolerant • Consider having a bioassay done on the soil - the Alberta Research Council in Vegreville will grow the crop planned for next vear in a soil sample provided by the producer and compare it to the same crop grown in safe soil "Knowing exactly what residue is left in the soil is extremely important before spring planting decisions are made,'' adds Topinka. "The ARC bioassay testing service, which costs $75, is something that growers should
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