Herbicides in Indian Agriculture: Choosing the Right Solution for Weed Control

Table of Contents

• What is Herbicide?
• What are the Benefits of Herbicides in India?
• How are herbicides classified in India?
  • Based on Method of Application
  • Based on Mode of Action
  • Based on Mobility
  • Based on Time of Application
  • Based on Molecular Structure
• What Safety Measures Should Be Taken While Applying Herbicides?
  • Reading and Following Label Instructions
  • Using Protective Gears
  • Calibrating Application Equipment
  • Considering Weather Conditions
  • Proper Storage and Disposal
• Conclusion

What is Herbicide?

Herbicide, also known as weedicide, is a chemical used to kill unwanted vegetation, such as weeds, in the field. Its primary purpose is to target weeds with precise killing efficiency, which cannot be achieved manually through methods such as pulling and hoeing. They are available in liquid, granules, or powder forms that can be sprayed, sprinkled, or directly applied to the plants or soil. The popular herbicides widely used in India are Glyphosate, Atrazine, 2,4-D, Metribuzin, and Pendimethalin. Herbicides demonstrate their effect through various plant processes, such as photosynthesis, cell division, or hormone stimulation, as these methods do not harm humans or animals.

What are the Benefits of Herbicides in India?

Herbicides have numerous advantages in agriculture, as they help save time, are cost-effective, prevent soil erosion, and offer higher yields. Let’s discuss their main benefits in detail:

• Time Saving: Herbicides reduce weed control time from hours to minutes compared to the manual process, thereby saving a significant amount of time.
• Soil Preservation: Herbicides support no-till farming. Thus, they help reduce erosion and maintain soil health.
• Cost Efficiency: Herbicides are either sprayed or sprinkled on the weeds, ensuring low labour and equipment costs and directly benefiting large-scale operations.
• Higher Yield: They aid in weed control, enabling crops to grow to their full potential and thereby improve yield.

How are Herbicides Classified in India?

Herbicides are classified into different groups based on method of application, mode of action, mobility, time of application, and molecular structure. Let’s discuss them one by one in detail:

Based on Method of Application

Based on the method of application, two types of herbicides are there: soil applied herbicides and foliage applied herbicides.

• Soil applied Herbicides: These herbicides are applied through the root and other underground parts of weeds. Fluchloralin is the most commonly used soil applied herbicide.
• Foliage applied Herbicides: They are mainly active on the weed’s foliage. The foliage applied herbicides examples are glyphosate, paraquat, etc.

Based on Mode of Action

The two types of herbicides based on mode of action are: selective and non-selective herbicides.

• Selective Herbicides: Selective herbicides are those which are applied to some plant species without harming others and preventing their growth. Atrazine is the best example of a selective herbicide.
• Non-selective Herbicides: Non-selective herbicides are those that destroy the majority of treated vegetation, such as paraquat.

Based on Mobility

Herbicides are categorized into two types based on mobility, which include contact herbicides and translocated herbicides.

• Contact Herbicides: These herbicides kill those parts of plants with which they come in direct contact. The contact herbicide example is paraquat.
• Translocated Herbicides: These herbicides move from treated areas to untreated areas through the xylem/phloem, depending on the nature of their molecules. The example of translocated herbicides is glyphosate.

Based on Time of Application

Herbicides are divided into four types on the basis of time of application. These include pre-plant application (PPI), Pre emergence, Post emergence, and early post emergence. Let’s discuss them in brief:

• Pre Plant Application: It involves the application of herbicides before sowing or planting crops. This process consists of both soil and foliar applications.
• Pre Emergence: This process involves the application of herbicides before the emergence of the plant or weed. If the annual crop application is made after the crop has been sown, but before the weed has emerged, it is known as pre-emergence to the crop. Whereas, in perennial crops, it is called pre-emergence to weeds.
• Post Emergence: It refers to the process of application of herbicides after the emergence of crops or weeds.
• Early Post Emergence: If the weeds grow and are killed with a herbicide before the plants have emerged through the soil, it is known as early post emergence. In this process, herbicides are applied to slow growing crops, such as potatoes, sugarcane, etc.

Based on Molecular Structure

Herbicide application based on molecular structure is divided into two types: inorganic compounds and organic compounds. Arsenic acid, sodium chlorate, copper sulfate, are some examples of inorganic compounds. On the other hand, Acetic acid (vinegar), citric acid, are common examples of organic compounds.

What Safety Measures Should Be Taken While Applying Herbicides?

To ensure safety, it is essential to take several precautionary measures when applying herbicides. It includes reading and following label instructions, wearing protective gear, calibrating application equipment, considering weather conditions, and storing and disposing of herbicide containers properly. Let’s discuss each of them in brief:

Reading and Following Label Instructions

The label serves as a comprehensive guide, providing essential information on application rates, timing, and safety precautions. Therefore, it is essential to read, understand, and follow the instructions for the responsible use of herbicides.

Using Protective Gears

It is essential to wear proper protective gear when handling and applying herbicides, including gloves that protect the skin, goggles that shield the eyes, and a mask that prevents respiratory exposure. These protective gears reduce the risk of adverse health effects related to herbicide exposure.

Calibrating Application Equipment

It is a crucial step that includes accurate herbicide dosage. Appropriate calibration helps in avoiding over-application of herbicides, which can lead to environmental concerns, or under-application of herbicides, which results in ineffective weed control or crop damage.

Considering Weather Conditions

Weather plays a vital role in herbicide application. It is advisable to avoid herbicide application during windy conditions to prevent drift, which can cause herbicide to move to unintended areas. Additionally, the possibility of rain should also be considered, as precipitation shortly after herbicide application can wash it away and minimize its effectiveness.

Proper Storage and Disposal

Ensure that herbicides are stored in a secure place away from the reach of children, pets, and food products. Disposing of empty herbicide containers as per the local regulations is highly important to save the environment from contamination.

Conclusion

Herbicides play an important role in weed control, providing precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness when used effectively. A proper understanding of different types of herbicides, their application in agriculture, and the use of adequate safety measures helps achieve effective weed control while reducing environmental impact. It ensures agriculture sustainability and landscaping practices for future generations.