Intensive field surveys were conducted to determine the spatial distri
bution of composite broadleaf and grass weed seedlings in seven maize
and five soybean fields in eastern Nebraska in 1992. Farmer fields whe
re herbicides were applied in a 38-cm band over 76-cm spaced rows were
chosen for this study. Weed populations were measured in the interrow
and in the band-treated intrarow. Spatial maps constructed for grass
or broadleaf weeds revealed that individual species as well as species
assemblages are highly aggregated. On average, 30% of the sample area
in the 12 fields surveyed was free of broadleaf weeds and 70% free of
grass weeds in the interrow area (no herbicide). Where a pre-emergenc
e herbicide was applied (intrarow), 71% of the sample area was free of
broadleaf weeds and 94% free of grass weeds. Increasing the threshold
to some value other than zero resulted in a larger field area not req
uiring a herbicide application. The results of these distribution stud
ies indicate that herbicide use could be substantially reduced if weed
distribution maps or real-time plant sensing were available to provid
e information for intermittent herbicide application systems or refine
ment of economic thresholds.