Breadcrumb

1. Home

2. Print 

3. Pdf 

4. Node 

5. Entity Print 

Best Practices for Reducing Weed

Seeds in U.S. Soybean Exports

Last Modified: 

Print

Soybeans are one of the United States' top exports. On average, we export more

than 50 million metric tons of soy each year.

Weed seeds in soybean exports are a serious trade concern. If an importing country

detects weed seeds, it may require additional inspections, treatment, or other

measures. In severe cases, the country may reject shipments or close the market

altogether.

By reducing seeds in soybean exports, U.S. soy is more competitive in the global

marketplace. There are steps growers and U.S. grain elevators can take to reduce

weed seeds in U.S. soybean exports.

The Systems Approach

The systems approach includes recommended best practices to reduce weed seeds

in soybean shipments. APHIS worked with U.S. industry groups, other USDA

agencies, and academia to develop the approach. It includes recommendations for

integrated weed management, harvesting, and handling. 
While the systems approach is voluntary, we encourage producers, handlers, and

exporters to use the practices best for their operation and geographic area. This will

reduce weed seeds in U.S. soybean exports and help shipments avoid costly delays.

By participating in the systems approach, everyone along the supply chain can help

maintain and enhance the value and safety of U.S. soybeans.

On the Farm

Weed Management

Develop a tailored weed management plan.

Regularly check production areas to find weed species.

Consider weed biology when selecting management controls.

Include chemical, cultural, and mechanical controls.

Regularly vary weed management practices to eliminate weeds, avoid

development of herbicide resistance, and discourage buildup of one weed type.

Work with Extension agents or crop advisers to design short- and long-term

plans tailored to your crop rotation, your region, and the weed species in your

fields.

Rotate crops and double-crop.

Use two or more crops in a rotation to lower weed densities, increase crop

yields, and improve soil quality.

Select rotational crops sprayed with herbicides with different modes of action to

minimize the evolution and spread of herbicide-resistant weeds.

Consider double-cropping. The residue from the first crop helps suppress

weeds, reduce erosion, and limit pest populations while the second crop is

growing. This approach can increase field yield and reduce overall herbicide

applications.

Use cover crops to increase yield and suppress weeds.

Select a cover crop suitable for your region.

Remove the cover crop just before planting soybeans (as early as 1 month or as

late as 5 days before).

Consider using a cover crop between soybean rows.
Diversify herbicide use.

Use a variety of herbicides with different modes of action.

Use a combination of pre- and post-emergence herbicides with residual effects

that last the entire crop season.

Talk with Extension agents and crop advisers to diversify your herbicide use,

identify the appropriate tank mixes, and tailor the modes of action to your

specific needs.

Manage weeds in field borders.

Control weeds in field borders, including ditches, sloughs, and along access

roads.

Frequently mow the perimeter to prevent weed reproduction and create a

barrier between the field and outlying areas.

Control late-season weeds.

Consider using a preharvest herbicide or manual weed removal to control lateseason weeds.

Consider incorporating tillage when other weed control measures are

ineffective or not feasible.

Planting

Start with clean seed.

Avoid planting soybeans in fields with a history of heavy weed infestations until

the weeds are under control.

Plant soybeans in narrow rows to allow plants to quickly form a closed canopy

that doesn't allow room for weeds.

Plant early in the season (late April to early May in the north; mid-April to midJune in the south, depending on variety) to help plants better compete against

weeds and increase yields.

Use soybean seed inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Adjust irrigation timing and amount to minimize weeds.

Harvesting
Avoid harvesting soybeans growing in high-density weed patches.

Adjust combine settings to remove weed seeds.

Regularly clean storage bins, augurs and legs, transport vehicles, and farm

equipment to prevent weed spread and avoid contaminating soybean with

other grains, especially corn.

Destroy weed seeds separated from grain or left in the field to keep them from

entering the soil seed bank.

At the Grain Elevator

Handling

Examine soybeans upon arrival for weed seeds, especially ragweed,

Johnsongrass, cocklebur, and pigweed.

Consider separating weed seeds from soybeans through mechanical cleaning or

other means.

Ensure bins, belts, and scales are free of other grains, especially corn, which

some countries consider a noxious weed.

See More See Less

USDA's Role

USDA and U.S. trade associations monitor weed seed and foreign material content in

soybeans to make sure the systems approach is working. Monitoring includes:

Periodically conduct a national survey at country and export elevators.

Analyze data to identify opportunities for improving the systems approach and

share with industry and producers.

USDA completed taking samples as part of the national survey. We are analyzing the

data and developing recommendations to improve the systems approach.

We also work closely with foreign trading partners to ensure uninterrupted trade of

U.S. soybeans. This includes bilateral cooperation between USDA and foreign

officials to address any technical issues affecting the entry of U.S. soybeans.