Dicamba and 2,4-D herbicides have changed how farmers handle weed problems. University of Missouri weed scientists have been researching how weather and other environmental factors determine how these herbicides affect the crop in fields where they were applied and effects on neighboring fields. Surface temperature inversions have been found to be a key player in off-target dicamba drifting. Farmers should apply herbicides during mid-late afternoon, because that time of day is usually calm with low winds. Soil pH can also play a role in dicamba volatility. The lower the pH, the more likely dicamba can volatilize.

Key Benefactors:
Farmers, rural citizens