Agriculture

Preemergent

Preemergents are a type of herbicide that prevent weed seeds from germinating and establishing themselves in the soil. They are applied to lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields before the weed seeds begin to sprout, which is why they’re called “preemergents.” By forming a barrier in the soil, preemergents interfere with the early stages of weed development, effectively stopping the growth of weeds before they even appear.

Preemergents are typically used for controlling grassy and broadleaf weeds, such as crabgrass, dandelions, and other common weeds, by preventing their seeds from germinating. They are most effective when applied at the right time — usually in early spring or late fall — depending on the type of weeds being targeted.

It’s important to note that preemergent herbicides do not affect established weeds or weeds that have already germinated, so they must be applied before weed seeds have started to sprout. Additionally, preemergents need to be watered in after application to activate them, and they need to be reapplied annually or as recommended on the product label.

Some common active ingredients in preemergents include pendimethalin, prodiamine, dithiopyr, and oxadiazon.

Our preemergent products consist of:

# 1 Best option: Prodiamine 

# 2 : Pendulum – 2g

# 3 : Dithiopyr

This product consists of pre and post emergent

Live Plant Killers

Grass and broadleaf plant killers are types of herbicides specifically designed to target and kill certain types of plants, such as grassy weeds or broadleaf weeds, without harming other desired plants. These herbicides are typically divided into two categories based on the type of plant they are meant to control:

1. Grass killers: These herbicides are formulated to kill grassy weeds, such as crabgrass, quackgrass, and other unwanted grass species, without harming desirable grasses like lawn turf. Selective grass killers are ideal for use on lawns or gardens where grass needs to be protected while eliminating grassy weeds.

2. Broadleaf weed killers: These are designed to target broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions, clover, and plantain, while leaving grasses and other narrow-leaved plants unharmed. Common selective broadleaf weed killers include herbicides like 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP, which are often used on lawns to manage weeds without damaging the grass.

Both types of herbicides work by being absorbed through the plant’s leaves, roots, or stems. They then disrupt critical processes in the plant, such as growth, nutrient absorption, or photosynthesis, ultimately causing the plant to die or become severely damaged.

• Selective grass and broadleaf killers: These are targeted formulations that control specific types of weeds while allowing the surrounding desirable plants, like turfgrass, to thrive. For example, a selective broadleaf killer won’t harm your lawn but will kill dandelions and other broadleaf weeds.

• Non-selective versions: While not as common for grass and broadleaf treatments, non-selective herbicides can also kill any plant they come into contact with. These are usually avoided in lawns and gardens where you want to preserve the grass or other plants.

These herbicides can be applied as sprays or granules, and they are typically most effective when applied during the growing season when weeds are actively growing. Care should be taken when applying to avoid affecting desirable plants, particularly in lawns where precision is key.

Our live grass killer products are:

# 1 Best Option: Credit 41 (Generic Roundup)

# 2 : 2,4-D

This product only kills plants with a leaf. It will not harm any type of grass or plant without a leaf

# 3: Triclopyr 3 and 4

This product is a woody species killer

Ground Sterilizers

Ground sterilizers, also known as soil sterilants or soil disinfectants, are a type of herbicide used to completely eradicate all plant life from an area by targeting the soil itself. Unlike typical herbicides that only kill or control specific weeds or plants, ground sterilizers work by rendering the soil inhospitable to all plant growth for a long period of time, often several months or even years.

These chemicals are designed to target the soil’s ability to support plant life by disrupting processes like seed germination, root development, and nutrient absorption. They are typically used in areas where you want to completely clear all vegetation and prevent new plants from growing. Ground sterilizers are often used in:

• Construction sites: To clear an area of all plant life before construction begins.

• Roadsides: To prevent vegetation from growing in unwanted areas such as cracks in asphalt or along roadsides.

• Industrial sites: To maintain barren, clear areas around factories or storage yards.

• Non-garden or landscape areas: Such as vacant lots or paths, where vegetation control is necessary.

Some common active ingredients in ground sterilizers include sodium chlorate, calcium hypochlorite, and glyphosate in higher concentrations.

How they work:
Ground sterilizers affect the soil in a way that prevents any seeds, roots, or plants from establishing themselves. They do this by:

1. Killing existing plants: When applied, they can kill plants already present in the soil by interfering with their growth and metabolism.

2. Preventing seed germination: They create a barrier in the soil that prevents seeds from sprouting, making it difficult or impossible for new plants to grow.

3. Long-lasting effects: The effects of ground sterilizers can last for months to years, meaning no new plants can grow during this period.

Precautions:
Due to their broad-spectrum nature, ground sterilizers should be used with caution. They can harm desirable plants and make soil unfit for future planting in the treated area. This makes them unsuitable for garden beds or areas where you plan to grow crops or plants soon after application.

After using a ground sterilizer, the soil may need to be treated or amended to restore its fertility and ability to support plant life, depending on the product used and the severity of the sterilization.

Our Ground Sterilizer Products Consist of:

# 1 Best Option: Ecomazapyr

# 2 : Mojave (need a license to purchase)

Tree Killers

Tree killers are a type of herbicide specifically designed to target and eliminate trees, either by killing them outright or by damaging them to the point where they die. These herbicides are often used for controlling unwanted or invasive trees, clearing land, or removing trees that pose a hazard or obstruct desired plant growth. Tree killers can be selective or non-selective, depending on how they interact with the surrounding environment.

How Tree Killers Work:

Tree killers typically work by being absorbed into the tree’s system, often through the bark, leaves, or roots. Once absorbed, the herbicide interferes with the tree’s vital processes, such as photosynthesis, nutrient transport, or cell division, eventually leading to the death of the tree.

• Systemic action: Most tree killers are systemic, meaning they travel through the tree’s vascular system to reach all parts of the plant, including the roots, stems, and leaves. This ensures that the entire tree is affected.

• Targeting tree growth: These herbicides typically block essential growth processes, such as the production of proteins or the absorption of nutrients, leading to slow deterioration, wilting, or dieback.

Types of Tree Killers:

1. Cut-stump treatments: One common method for using tree killers is through a cut-stump application, where the tree is cut down, and the herbicide is applied directly to the freshly cut surface of the stump. This method is effective for preventing regrowth from the stump and killing the tree’s root system.

2. Basal bark applications: For smaller trees, tree killers can be applied directly to the lower trunk or bark. The herbicide soaks into the bark and travels through the tree’s vascular system, eventually killing it.

3. Foliar sprays: In some cases, herbicides are sprayed directly onto the leaves or foliage of trees. This is more effective on certain tree species and younger or smaller trees.

Active Ingredients:

Common active ingredients in tree killers include:

• Glyphosate: Often used in systemic herbicides, it interferes with plant enzymes that are necessary for growth.

• Triclopyr: A common herbicide for tree and shrub control, particularly effective on woody plants.

• 2,4-D: A broad-spectrum herbicide often used for controlling woody plants in certain landscapes or forests.

Applications:

• Clearing land: Tree killers are used in land management to clear forests, fields, or areas that are being developed.

• Invasive species control: They are also applied to control non-native tree species that might be harmful to local ecosystems, such as invasive trees like kudzu or tree-of-heaven.

• Hazard removal: If a tree poses a risk (e.g., diseased or structurally weak trees), tree killers can be used to eliminate the threat safely.

Considerations:

• Safety: Tree killers are powerful chemicals, and they can harm surrounding vegetation if not used carefully. Proper application techniques are important to ensure that the herbicide only targets the unwanted trees.

• Environmental impact: Some tree killers can affect nearby plants, wildlife, and water sources if used improperly. It is important to follow manufacturer instructions and take precautions to minimize environmental damage.

Tree killers are useful tools for managing undesirable or invasive trees but should be used with caution and precision to avoid unintended harm to the environment or non-target plants.

Our Tree Killing Products:

# 1 Best Option: Tordon

Insecticides

Insecticides are chemical or biological substances used to kill or control insects that are considered pests. These pests may damage crops, transmit diseases, or harm livestock and property. Insecticides work by targeting the biological systems of insects, either by disrupting their development, affecting their nervous system, or interfering with their feeding behaviors. They are widely used in agriculture, gardening, forestry, and public health.

How Insecticides Work:

Insecticides can be applied to kill insects through various methods depending on the type of insecticide. The primary ways insecticides affect insects include:

1. Contact action: Some insecticides kill insects on contact, by penetrating their outer body and disrupting biological functions. This method is effective when the insect comes into direct contact with the insecticide.

2. Systemic action: Systemic insecticides are absorbed by plants or animals and then spread throughout their tissues. When insects feed on these plants or animals, they ingest the poison and die. These are particularly effective in agricultural settings.

3. Ingestion: Some insecticides are designed to be ingested by pests. When the pest consumes the treated plant or animal product, the insecticide interferes with its digestion or metabolic processes, leading to death.

4. Repellency: Some insecticides are formulated to repel insects rather than kill them. They work by creating an unpleasant environment or scent that keeps pests away from treated areas.

Types of Insecticides:

Insecticides can be categorized in several ways based on their chemical structure, how they affect insects, or their mode of application:

1. Chemical insecticides:

   • Organochlorines: These were widely used in the past but have largely been banned due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. Examples include DDT (now banned in many places).

   • Organophosphates: These interfere with the insect’s nervous system. Common examples include malathion and chlorpyrifos.

   • Carbamates: Similar to organophosphates, carbamates disrupt the insect’s nervous system. An example is carbaryl.

   • Pyrethroids: Synthetic versions of natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are widely used and include insecticides like permethrin and cypermethrin.

2. Biological insecticides: These are derived from natural sources such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses and are often considered more environmentally friendly. Some biological insecticides include:

   • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): A bacterium that produces toxins harmful to certain insect larvae, especially caterpillars.

   • Insecticidal soaps: Derived from fatty acids, these disrupt the cell membranes of insects and are effective on soft-bodied pests like aphids.

   • Neem oil: Derived from the neem tree, neem oil affects the insect’s hormones and disrupts their feeding and reproduction.

3. Systemic insecticides: These are absorbed by plants or animals and circulate through their tissues. Insects that feed on these plants or animals ingest the insecticide. Examples include imidacloprid and dinotefuran.

4. Contact insecticides: These are applied directly to pests and kill them on contact. They often act quickly but may require reapplication. Examples include insecticidal sprays or dusts.

Applications of Insecticides:

• Agriculture: To protect crops from insect pests that damage plants, reduce yields, or spread diseases.

• Public health: Insecticides are used to control disease vectors like mosquitoes (which can carry malaria, dengue, and Zika virus) or lice and fleas.

• Gardening: For controlling household pests like ants, roaches, flies, and other garden insects.

• Forestry: Used to protect trees and forests from insect infestations that can damage timber or disrupt ecosystems.

Our Insecticide Products:

# 1 Best Option: Tengard

Turf Treatment

Turf treatment refers to the care and maintenance practices used to improve the health, appearance, and functionality of turfgrass, typically found in lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and other landscaped areas. These treatments aim to promote lush, green, and resilient turf by addressing issues like pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, weeds, and environmental stress.

Types of Turf Treatments:

1. Fertilization:
   Fertilizing turf provides essential nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) that help grass grow strong, healthy, and vibrant. Fertilizers can be applied in granular or liquid form and are typically used to:

   • Enhance growth and green color.

   • Improve root development.

   • Increase drought tolerance.

   • Promote overall turf vigor.

2. Weed Control:
   Weeds are a common problem in turf, competing with grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Weed control treatments include:

   • Preemergent herbicides: These are applied to prevent weed seeds from germinating, usually in early spring or fall.

   • Post-emergent herbicides: These kill weeds that have already germinated, targeting broadleaf weeds (e.g., dandelions) or grassy weeds (e.g., crabgrass).

   • Selective herbicides: These target specific types of weeds while leaving grass unharmed.

3. Pest Management:
   Insects and other pests can damage turfgrass by feeding on the roots, leaves, or stems. Turf pest treatments help control common pests like grubs, ants, chinch bugs, and billbugs. Common pest treatments include:

   • Insecticides: Chemical or organic compounds used to kill or repel pests.

   • Biological control: Introducing natural predators (like nematodes) to reduce pest populations.

4. Disease Control:
   Turfgrass is susceptible to various diseases, including fungal infections like brown patch, dollar spot, and powdery mildew. Disease treatments focus on preventing and controlling infections. These may include:

   • Fungicides: Chemical treatments that target specific fungi responsible for turf diseases.

   • Cultural practices: Adjusting watering, mowing, and aeration schedules to prevent favorable conditions for diseases.

5. Aeration:
   Aerating turf involves perforating the soil to relieve compaction and improve water, air, and nutrient movement to the grass roots. This is especially important for lawns that experience heavy foot traffic or are on compacted soil. Aeration helps:

   • Improve root growth.

   • Enhance water and nutrient absorption.

   • Reduce thatch buildup.

6. Overseeding:
   Overseeding involves spreading grass seed over existing turf to fill in bare spots, improve turf density, and introduce more resilient grass varieties. This treatment is commonly done during the growing season to ensure a healthy, uniform lawn.

7. Soil Amendments:
   Turf may require adjustments to soil pH or composition for optimal growth. Common soil treatments include:

   • Lime: Used to raise soil pH if the soil is too acidic.

   • Sulfur: Used to lower soil pH in alkaline soils.

   • Compost: Added to improve soil structure and organic matter content.

8. Watering Practices:
   Proper watering is essential for healthy turf. Turf treatments may include adjusting irrigation schedules and systems to ensure adequate moisture without overwatering, which can lead to disease or shallow root systems.

Benefits of Turf Treatment:

• Improved Appearance: Regular treatment ensures that the turf remains lush, green, and healthy, enhancing the overall aesthetic of lawns and landscapes.

• Increased Turf Health: By addressing issues like pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, turf treatments promote stronger grass with better root systems and resilience to environmental stressors.

• Weed and Pest Management: Effective weed and pest control allows the grass to thrive without competition or damage from unwanted invaders.

• Long-Term Sustainability: Turf treatments help to maintain the long-term health and sustainability of turf areas, reducing the need for costly replacements or repairs.

Our Turf Treatment Products

# 1 Best Option:

Pond Treatment

Pond treatment agricultural products are substances or solutions designed to manage and improve the health of ponds used in agricultural settings. These treatments are primarily aimed at maintaining water quality, promoting a balanced ecosystem, and controlling issues such as algae growth, nutrient imbalances, and harmful organisms in the water. Healthy ponds are important in agriculture, whether for irrigation, livestock watering, aquaculture, or other farming operations. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of pond treatment agricultural products and their uses:

1. Algae Control Products:

Algae can quickly overtake a pond, especially in warm weather, reducing oxygen levels, clogging water systems, and creating unpleasant odors. Algae control treatments help maintain a healthy balance in the pond by reducing excessive algae growth.

• Algaecides: Chemical compounds that kill or inhibit the growth of algae. These are often used when algae blooms are out of control and are a common problem in agricultural ponds.

• Copper-based treatments: Products containing copper sulfate are frequently used to target algae and other aquatic plants.

• Biological Algae Control: These treatments involve introducing natural organisms, such as certain types of bacteria or aquatic plants, that compete with algae or break down the nutrients that fuel its growth.

2. Nutrient Management Products:

Agricultural ponds often accumulate excessive nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, from runoff from fertilizers, animal waste, and other agricultural activities. These excess nutrients can cause water quality issues, such as nutrient pollution and eutrophication (the excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants).

• Phosphorus binders: Products designed to bind excess phosphorus in the water, preventing it from contributing to algae blooms and helping maintain water clarity.

• Nutrient-reducing bacteria: These biological treatments introduce beneficial bacteria to break down excess nutrients in the pond, improving water quality and reducing the risk of eutrophication.

3. Water Clarifiers:

Water clarifiers are used to improve water clarity by reducing suspended particles, including algae, organic matter, and silt. These treatments help restore the aesthetic quality of ponds and improve the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.

• Polymer-based flocculants: These products cause suspended particles to clump together (flocculate), making them easier to remove through filtration or settling.

• Beneficial bacteria: Adding bacteria that break down organic material and suspended particles can enhance water clarity naturally.

4. Aquatic Herbicides:

Aquatic herbicides are used to control or eliminate unwanted aquatic plants, such as weeds, lily pads, and other invasive species that can choke ponds and disrupt the natural balance. Overgrowth of these plants can block sunlight, deplete oxygen levels, and reduce water quality.

• Systemic herbicides: These are absorbed by the plants and work to kill them from the inside. They are effective on both submerged and floating plants.

• Contact herbicides: These herbicides work by physically damaging the plant’s outer surface, often causing it to break down and die.

• Selective herbicides: These products target specific types of plants (e.g., water milfoil or duckweed) without affecting other species in the pond.

5. Fungal and Pathogen Control:

Pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites, can affect aquatic life in agricultural ponds. These treatments help control harmful organisms that might cause disease in fish, livestock, or plants.

• Antifungal treatments: Used to prevent or treat fungal infections in fish and other aquatic organisms.

• Bacterial control agents: Products that control harmful bacteria in the water, ensuring the health of pond ecosystems and the organisms that rely on them.

6. Oxygenators and Aerators:

Oxygenation is crucial in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems, especially in agricultural ponds where fish, plants, and other organisms need a steady supply of dissolved oxygen. Oxygen levels can be depleted due to excessive plant growth, animal waste, or stagnant water.

• Aerators: These devices introduce air or water movement into the pond, increasing the oxygen exchange and preventing oxygen depletion.

• Oxygenating products: Liquid or granular products that increase dissolved oxygen levels in the water, especially in deeper parts of the pond that may not be well-aerated.

7. Fish and Aquatic Species Treatments:

For ponds used in aquaculture or for managing fish populations, certain treatments are applied to ensure the health of the aquatic species living in the pond. These products can prevent disease, promote growth, and improve overall health.

• Fish growth stimulants: These products enhance the growth rate of fish, ensuring they reach marketable sizes or perform well in aquaculture systems.

• Fish disease treatments: Medications or treatments that prevent or cure common fish diseases, such as parasites, bacterial infections, or fungal growth.

8. pH and Alkalinity Adjusters:

The pH and alkalinity of pond water can have significant effects on the health of both the water and the organisms living within it. Imbalances in pH can lead to poor water quality, stressing aquatic species and disrupting biological processes.

• pH buffers: Products that adjust the pH of the water to maintain an optimal range for aquatic life.

• Alkalinity adjusters: These help balance the water’s buffering capacity, making it more stable and preventing sudden changes in pH that can harm aquatic life.

Benefits of Pond Treatment Agricultural Products:

• Improved Water Quality: These products help maintain clear, clean, and balanced water conditions, which is crucial for the health of both the pond ecosystem and any agricultural operations dependent on the water.

• Enhanced Fish Health: Treatments that control pathogens, regulate oxygen levels, and manage algae can help maintain a healthier environment for aquaculture and other aquatic species.

• Efficient Use of Water: Proper pond treatments ensure that water used for irrigation or livestock watering remains clean and functional, reducing potential waterborne diseases and contamination.

• Increased Productivity: Healthy ponds contribute to the overall productivity of agricultural operations, whether it’s for raising fish, irrigating crops, or supporting livestock.

Our Pond Treatment Products

# 1 Best Option:

We carry many products from Alligare, Loveland, and Frontier.  If we don’t have a product in stock, we can get it in several days (please ask).

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