A question was recently asked about restrictions of applying herbicides using nitrogen fertilizer as the carrier. Obviously, a simultaneous application can save the time and expense of separate applications. However, it would be a poor choice if there is a risk of causing crop injury, especially considering the value of the current wheat crop. Summary comments on this issue are provided below from many common winter wheat herbicide labels. If weeds are present in wheat fields, there is still adequate time to make these applications before the wheat beings to joint for 2,4-D or dicamba. Even more time exists for several of the other herbicides (see the March issue for a summary of application timings).  

 

Dicamba (Banvel, Clarity, Sterling, etc.): The labels do not prohibit applying dicamba in nitrogen fertilizer carriers. Thus, dicamba can be applied with nitrogen as long as it is applied before jointing.

 

2,4-D: The labels that I checked allowed applications in a nitrogen fertilizer carrier. Because there are many different 2,4-D products and labels, you should still check the label that you are using. My greatest concern with 2,4-D is when applications are applied late after jointing, which increases the risk of injury. An application in a fertilizer carrier might further increase that risk of injury. 

 

Labels that specifically allow applications in liquid nitrogen carriers: Affinity BroadSpec, Buctril, Harmony Extra SG, Harmony SG, and Huskie.

 

Other labels that do not prohibit application in nitrogen fertilizer: MCPA and Orion. 

 

Rage D-Tech: The label recommends not to use nitrogen adjuvants. Hence, it seems that it would be best to avoid using nitrogen fertilizer as a carrier.