BASF Research Reveals Boosting Blackgrass Control Can Save Farmers Up to £120 per Hectare

Winter wheat growers are being advised to maximize their output by controlling blackgrass, the most common grass weed affecting yields. Research from chemical manufacturer BASF shows that increased spending on herbicides can lead to improved returns for farmers after factoring in higher yields.

BASF's Stuart Kevis said 'Grass weed management will always come at a cost,' but added that growers are better off spending more on sprays to save yields. He estimates that farm businesses would be £120/ha better off overall by spending more and achieving a higher level of blackgrass control.

The calculations were based on a wheat price of £170/t, a yield of 9t/ha, and a blackgrass population of 50 plants per square metre. For 65% control of blackgrass, growers would typically spend about £12-13/ha, while achieving 99% control would cost up to £150/ha.

BASF trials found Luximo, the brand name for Cinmethylin, to be a key tool in tackling grassweeds early and reducing reliance on post-emergence treatments. John Cussans, principal consultant at Adas, added that delayed drilling is typically better for blackgrass control, with a reduction of roughly two thirds in blackgrass seedling per month.

The economics of arable farming are under pressure due to lower wheat yields and rising input costs. James Webster-Rusk from consultancy firm Andersons said the industry faces challenges driven by falling wheat yields, averaging 7.2t/ha and 7.3t/ha in 2024 and 2025 respectively.