The need for sugarcane field reform has driven the expansion of soybean cultivation in rotation with sugarcane. Weeds are one of the main reasons for this reform, requiring specific management in rotation. The use of pre-emergence herbicides in soybean is a viable option, but its effectiveness in sandy soils requires further study. In this experiment, we evaluated the performance of pre-emergence herbicides on sugarcane straw, focusing on the control of Digitaria horizontalis. We conducted a field experiment with 11 treatments and four replications, applying herbicides immediately after soybean sowing. All herbicides, except diclosulam, provided efficient control of D. horizontalis, with over 80% control in all evaluated periods. The clomazone+sulfentrazone association showed the highest residual effect, keeping the area clean for up to 21 days after application. Weed-free control resulted in productivity equivalent to 66% of the maximum obtained. The use of cell division inhibitors allowed soybean cultivation to grow without weed competition. We conclude that the use of pre-emergence herbicides in soybean under sugarcane straw resulted in productivity gains due to effective D. horizontalis control. Poaceae plants may have a higher competitive capacity with crops compared to other families; therefore, even with few plants per square meter, species like D. horizontalis can reduce crop productivity. The use of cell division inhibitor molecules, either alone or combined with PROTOX inhibitors, allowed the soybean crop to remain free of weed competition.
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