Corn Gluten Meal

It all started with an accidental discovery in 1986 by Nick Christians, a professor of horticulture at Iowa State University, that lead to the common usage of corn gluten meal as an organic pre-emergent herbicide. The weed control works by inhibiting the root formation during germination via proteins inside the corn gluten. This is why the timing of application is critical as the natural chemicals must be applied before the weeds germinate. It can prevent the spread of weeds such as crabgrass, foxtails, barnyardgrass, lambsquarter, pigweed, dandelion, smartweed, and purslane.

One of the best aspects of this product is that it is natural and perfectly safe for kids. At this time, corn gluten is the most marketed natural weed control product and is widely accepted as an effective means of weed control. It also has about 10% nitrogen so it can be used as an organic weed and feed that kills germinating weeds and also stimulates the growth of existing grass. For a growing number of people that don’t want to use chemicals, corn gluten herbicide is a big discovery.

“Research shows that 50-60% weed control can be achieved in the first year when corn gluten is applied at 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet; 80-85% in the second year; and over 90% control by the third year. This is due to the reduction in weed seeds since weeds do not mature, and from the effect of nitrogen in the corn gluten increasing the lawn’s density.”¹

The proper time to apply corn gluten is after the last spring frost and in the fall right before weeds are most active. You will need to water in the application and allow several days of drying. The corn gluten needs to be dry for a reasonable period to effectively kill the emerging weed seedlings. If you are less patient, you may want to employ a manual program of pulling weeds in addition to applying corn gluten.

You can also catch up on the latest research with corn gluten meal on Iowa State University’s website.

Note:

1. Natural Organic Lawn Care for Ohio. Lazlo/Yurovich 2001. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/4000/4031.html