Weeds Weeds Control of weeds in pecan orchards is essential for maximum production of pecans.
Weeds require soil moisture and nutrients just as do the pecans.
Any period of drought stress on pecans is enhanced further by competition by weeds for that limited moisture. Fertilizers applied to the pecans are used by weeds, thus adding to the expense of fertilizer use and potential for fertilizer deficiencies. The presence of weeds at harvest may also affect the harvesting efficiency of mechanical sweepers. Weeds will prevent many pecans from being swept into the windrow, thus leaving pecans on the ground to either be wasted or require hand harvesting. Use of a herbicide treated strip reduces much of the competition of the weeds.