Unlike frequent claims of herbicide manufacturers, soybean yields were reduced by even the lowest levels of herbicide injury in 1993 and 1995. Yet these yield loss predictions may still help soybean growers assess risks and make better management decisions. To estimate percent soybean yield loss caused by herbicide injury, multiply percent visual injury 8 DAT by 0.25 or percent canopy reduction 22 DAT by 0.37. The actual yield loss may be more or less than the estimate depending on the subsequent weather conditions. Using predictions of soybean yield losses caused by postemergence herbicide injury It is important to remember that herbicide injury is frequently a necessary consequence of weed control.
Uncontrolled weeds can cause greater soybean yield losses than moderate levels of herbicide injury.
But, when two herbicides are equally effective in controlling weeds and are similarly priced, growers can maximize profits by using the product least likely to injure soybeans. Effect of percent visual herbicide injury 8 DAT on soybean yield loss. 22 DAT on soybean yield loss.