Cleaning Equipment to Prevent the Spread of Weed Seed

Decorative header that says, "Weed Seed."

After mowing, disking, spraying and harvesting operations, weed seed can hitch a ride on farm equipment, allowing populations to infest new locations (Figure 1). Routine cleaning of farm implements prior to relocation is especially important for preventing the spread of troublesome and herbicide-resistant weeds in Louisiana including prickly sida (teaweed), johnsongrass and Palmer amaranth. This practice should include all equipment that enters the field, even smaller equipment such as pickup trucks and all-terrain vehicles (Figure 2).

With harvest underway, there are mitigation practices that can help to prevent the spread of weed seed.

Harvest order: If possible, consider harvesting fields in order from lower to higher weed densities. It is important to harvest fields which are suspected to have herbicide-resistant populations last.
Sanitation: Whether planting, spraying, harvesting or performing any other activity in the field, clean all equipment that entered the field before moving to a new field.

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Figure 1. Palmer amaranth and yellow foxtail grow from mulch on the back of a rotary cutter. Photo by Stephen Ippolito

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Figure 2. Weed seeds cling to the bumper of a pickup truck. Photo by Stephen Ippolito

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Figure 3. The photos labeled A-G show examples of cleaning equipment and the places where machinery should be cleaned. Photos by Stephen Ippolito

A. Equipment should be cleaned in the field where it was used. A leaf blower or compressed air can be used to clean equipment. Wearing a dust mask and eye protection is recommended to avoid dust and debris. Before cleaning, allow the combine to run for a few minutes to clear as much debris as possible. To prevent the seed from naturally dispersing through wind or water, residue should be contained as best as possible and destroyed.

B. Clean from top to bottom, starting with the hopper and then working down.

C. Open all side panels to blow off the exterior of the combine.

D. Clean the combine’s header of all debris. When time allows, it may be a good idea to remove the header for a more thorough cleaning.

E. Open the side panels on both sides to blow out both the rotor and below it.

F. Open both elevators and blow out any debris.

G. Make sure to check the entirety of the combine’s exterior.

Authors: Stephen Ippolito and Donnie Miller, LSU AgCenter Weed Scientists

P4022
9/19/25
The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.

9/18/2025 10:47:52 PM

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