The Top Crop Advantage
Right now in the agriculture industry, farmers are facing a big problem. With the rise of resistant weeds in GMO and conventional crops, ridding your fields of persistent and destructive weeds is becoming more and more difficult and costly. That's where weed wiping solutions from Top Crop Ag Innovations come in. Weed wiping is a great drift-free solution that directly attacks taller growing weeds without damaging your crop. The key to weed wiping is getting enough material on the weeds, and our pump-fed sponges are designed to maximize the amount of chemical held inside and applied to the weeds. Best of all, our weed wipers are affordable and we have plenty of mounting options! Browse this page to learn more about our industry-leading line of weed wiping products.
Eliminate Resistant Weeds
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What should I use in my Top Crop Weed Wiper?Most chemicals work well with our weed wipers. Please follow your label for mix rates in a wiping applicator/contact herbicide applicator. It is important to remember that the ratio of herbicide to water can vary depending on the weeds/rye to be controlled, the time of year, the density of your weeds, and the temperature. Please do not use a mix rate stronger than the label, because you will only burn the tips of the weeds and will not get good results. Contact your chemical field rep or extension service for best herbicide mix and or surfactant for specific weed and crop conditions.
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What chemicals are commonly used?1. Most Common: Round-up (Glyphosate) The label for Round-up recommends a 33% mix rate for weed wipers. Farmers have reported that a 20%-25% mix rate works well when using a good surfactant. Do not mix roundup at a rate higher than 33%. 2. Resistant Weed Option: (Gramoxone) Gramoxone by Syngenta is labeled for use in cotton, beans, and peanuts. In most states at a rate of 50%. Be warned that Gramoxone can leave residue in your sponges, so make sure to clean both the tank and sponges with lots of water before moving to your next field. 3. Resistant Weed Option: (A Mix Alternative to Gramoxone) 2.5 gal. of Crossbow or Unison (acid based 24D), 1.5 gal. of PowerMax (Round-up and 4 gal. of water w/ a surfactant).
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How much chemical will I use?Most of our models use a spot sprayer tank/pump to pump the chemical mixture from the tank to the sponge. In general, you will use far less chemical than conventional sprayers because you are only applying the chemical mixture directly onto the taller growing weeds. Farmers have reported using 10-30 gallons of mixed product/100 acres, so a larger tank is not required. Chemical use will vary based upon weed infestation level.
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How do I care for my sponges?Caring for your Top Crop sponges is crucial in ensuring that they stay in good shape and continue to be effective from season to season. Each time you use your Top Crop sponge to apply Gramoxone, make sure to thoroughly clean the sponge afterward. Additionally, store your sponges in a shady area or indoors when not in use to protect them from harsh sunlight.
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Should I be using clear or black tubing?There are upsides and downsides to both clear and black tubing for use with a Top Crop sponge, but we recommend clear tubing. Though black tubing provides more protection from the sun and may last longer, it is opaque and prevents you from seeing the chemical flowing. Clear tubing will suffer from wear and tear when used in harsh sunlight and from the consistent flow of chemical, but the ability to see your chemical flowing is worth it. Our advice is to go with clear tubing and change it out every year to ensure things are running smoothly. *Clear tubing allows you to use dye and monitor the flow a lot easier. But clear tubing is more susceptible to sun damage and cracking, so we recommend you change it every season.
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How do I start my field?When starting the first field of the day, always lay down a pattern just like you do with spray rigs at the edge of field or on the road. This ensures all sponges are good and saturated. Once comfortable, use chemical gloves and walk your boom to rub your hand along the bottom of it to let the excess come out. This prevents it from dripping in areas where you don't want the chemical to drip. As Robert says, "Remember, keep it wet and keep it moving!"
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How do I know if my sponges are receiving chemical?We recommend using dye in your chemical and clear tubing so that you can see from the cab when you need to reload. Clear tubing is more susceptible to sun damage, so you will need to change the tubing every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your sponges worked as promised using Gramoxone (50%). Your videos were on the money & very useful in the application process.
- Walt Brownsberger
Farmer in Overland Park, Kansas
At first, I was a little Leary, but the sponges work. First I used it in my soybeans until I realized that it's great for pastures and other applications. I had a very great experience!
- Jason Clavin
Farmer Near El Paso, Illinois
After 24 hours of running 50% gramoxone in your weed wipers, my resistant weeds were taken care of. Thanks for a great product.