This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of soybean seeding time after cover crop desiccation on the control of alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea) and to quantify the influence of weed control timing on soybean yield. The experimental design used was a split-plot, in randomized blocks, with four replications. The treatments consisted of soybean seeding times (1 and 10 days after desiccant application - DAD), arranged as main plots, and times of Alexandergrass control (11, 17, 24, 31, 38, and 45 days after soybean emergence - DAE - for seeding performed 1 DAD, and 8, 15, 22, 29, 36, and 42 DAE for seeding performed 10 DAD), arranged as subplots. For each soybean seeding time, a check with Alexandergrass chemical control was included during all crop season. Grass weed control was attained through application of the herbicide clethodim at 120 g ha-1. Levels of Alexandergrass control, at soybean harvesting time, varied between 90 and 99%, considering all treatments. There were reductions in soybean plant height, biological yield, and grain yield variables, as alexandergrass control was delayed, especially for the 10 DAD soybean seeding. Grain yield reductions due to the grass growing together with soybean were found to overcome control cost approximately 20 and 5 DAE of the crop, when the seedings were performed 1 and 10 DAD, respectively. The opportunity to apply Alexandergrass control measures presents a wider interval period when soybean seeding is accomplished closer to desiccation time than when it is delayed.
late control; control cost; weed interference
