April 17, 2026
Two-stage weed control: setting maize up for success
Maize has come a long way in recent years. What was once seen as a relatively low-input crop now demands a much more precise, professional approach – especially if it’s going to deliver the yields needed to justify today’s input costs.
For us at ProCam, one of the biggest shifts we’ve seen is around weed control. As our agronomist Justin Smith explains, getting this right – from the very start – can make a significant difference to crop performance.
“Maize used to be seen as a fairly straightforward crop,” says Justin. “A bit of muck, a post-emergence spray and then leave it alone. But with rising input costs and the value of home-grown forage increasing, that approach just doesn’t stack up anymore.”
Why early weed control matters more than ever
Modern maize crops need to deliver – and that starts with protecting them during their most vulnerable stages.
“Maize is quite a fickle crop early on,” Justin explains. “It needs a bit of TLC to get going, and if it’s held back by weed competition, that can have a lasting impact on yield.”
Despite this, one of the most common cost-cutting measures we still see is skipping the pre-emergence herbicide.
“It can be tempting to hold back on spending until the crop has emerged,” he says. “But our trials show that’s a false economy.”
Building a two-stage programme
From our perspective, a two-stage approach to weed control is essential – starting with a solid pre-emergence foundation.
A residual herbicide like pendimethalin provides that early layer of protection, helping to suppress a wide range of grass and broad-leaved weeds.
“It won’t control everything 100%,” Justin explains. “But it buys you time. It reduces early competition and gives the crop a chance to establish without being outcompeted.”
Even in challenging conditions, the benefits are clear.
“Our 2025 trials showed that pendimethalin still delivered good efficacy, even in a dry spring,” he adds.
That early control also takes pressure off the post-emergence timing.
“With fewer weeds coming through, you don’t need such a heavy chemical stack later on,” Justin says. “That’s better for the crop and gives you more flexibility if conditions turn against you or there are delays getting sprays on.”
Strength in the follow-up
Once the crop is up and away, the focus shifts to tidying up anything that’s come through. Here, we recommend using a product with two or three active ingredients to broaden the spectrum of control and reduce resistance risk.
“Products like Spandis or Dragster are good options,” Justin explains. “Because they contain multiple actives, they do a better job across both grasses and broad-leaved weeds, while also helping to protect the longevity of the chemistry.”
Making every pass work harder
As with most areas of crop protection, it’s not just about the product – it’s about how you use it. At ProCam we’re strong advocates of including partner products to get the most from both pre- and post-emergence applications.
“An adjuvant like Velomax helps improve the distribution of residual herbicides across the soil surface,” says Justin. “It also keeps the chemistry in the active zone for longer, which is particularly useful in dry or very wet conditions.”
At the post-emergence timing, supporting the crop is just as important as targeting the weeds. “We often include a nutrient growth promoter and biostimulant such as Hadron,” he adds. “It supplies foliar nitrogen and zinc, helping root development and nutrient uptake, and supports the crop in growing away from any stress caused by the herbicide.”
That extra support can really come into its own in challenging seasons.
“Hadron performed very well during last year’s drought,” Justin notes. “It helped crops cope better with stress and maintain performance.”
Avoiding false economies
With ongoing pressure on farm margins, it’s understandable that growers are looking carefully at input costs. But when it comes to maize, cutting back on early weed control can quickly prove counterproductive.
“A two-stage programme is about protecting investment,” Justin says. “It’s a relatively small cost in the context of the whole crop, but it plays a big role in securing yield and quality.”
Ultimately, it’s about giving the crop the best possible start – and keeping it on track right through to harvest.
Ready to get your maize off to the best start?
Every field, rotation and weed burden is different – and the most effective programmes are built around those specifics.
Speak to your local ProCam agronomist to plan a robust, two-stage weed control strategy and give your maize crop the strongest possible foundation for the season ahead.
Find your nearest depot: Depots – ProCam UK
Wondering about varieties? Check out our Field Options mini guide to maize seed
