BASF is inviting farmers to take part in a national weed control survey to track the extent and spread of the UK’s most prolific and problematic weeds.
The aim is to reveal the true picture of the country’s weed problems, along with the most popular and effective control methods, so growers can see what really works, according to BASF campaign manager Ruth Stanley.
“Whether you’re winning or losing the war on weeds, we’d like to hear from you,” says Mrs Stanley. “What are the main problem weeds on your farm, how are you controlling them, and with what success?
“We’ll compile the results and reveal the extent of the country’s weed problems along with practical solutions from farmers and our expert panel on how to improve weed control.”
The survey stems from BASF’s Real Results Circle, which aims to deliver a truly practical insight into aspects of crop management.
“We know arable weeds can be an endless source of problems for farmers, which is why we created the Arable Weed Control circle,” says Mrs Stanley.
“The aim is to provide trustworthy information, tips and advice, backed by real data and with input from some of the industry’s most respected weed experts, to help growers choose the best strategy and approach for their farms.”
The panel of nine experts will cover all aspects of weed control, including weed biology, product choice, cultivation strategies and spray application. It includes cultivations specialist Philip Wright, application expert Tom Robinson, soil specialist Neil Fuller, John Deere’s James O’Meara and ADAS weed scientists Sarah Cook and Lynn Tatnell.
As part of the Arable Weed Control Campaign BASF will select a number of farms who have completed the survey to be involved in a weed control trial to show how real results can be obtained using a range of cultural and chemical control methods, says Mrs Stanley.
Farmers wanting to take part in the survey should go to BASF’s Real Results Arable Weed Control website at https://basfrealresults.co.uk/awc/ and click on the link to the survey.
All participants will receive a £5 Screwfix voucher for completing the short survey and will entered into a prize draw to win one of five knapsack sprayers.
* Visitors to the website will also find plenty of useful information to help them improve weed management at the click of a mouse.
BASF’s weed encyclopaedia aids identification and control of 36 common arable weeds, while in the #AskAngus section Angus, BASF’s technical adviser, provides answers to the most popular questions on control.
There are also in-depth fact sheets featuring independent experts to help growers tackle eight of the most problematic weeds in the UK.
