Weed management in wide-row cropping systems: a review of current practices and risks for Australian farming systems

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 395 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Peltzer ◽  
A. Hashem ◽  
V. A. Osten ◽  
M. L. Gupta ◽  
A. J. Diggle ◽  
...  

Growing agricultural crops in wide row spacings has been widely adopted to conserve water, to control pests and diseases, and to minimise problems associated with sowing into stubble. The development of herbicide resistance combined with the advent of precision agriculture has resulted in a further reason for wide row spacings to be adopted: weed control. Increased row spacing enables two different methods of weed control to be implemented with non-selective chemical and physical control methods utilised in the wide inter-row zone, with or without selective chemicals used on the on-row only. However, continual application of herbicides and tillage on the inter-row zone brings risks of herbicide resistance, species shifts and/or changes in species dominance, crop damage, increased costs, yield losses, and more expensive weed management technology.

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Zanetti ◽  
Barbara Alberghini ◽  
Ana Marjanović Jeromela ◽  
Nada Grahovac ◽  
Dragana Rajković ◽  
...  

AbstractPromoting crop diversification in European agriculture is a key pillar of the agroecological transition. Diversifying crops generally enhances crop productivity, quality, soil health and fertility, and resilience to pests and diseases and reduces environmental stresses. Moreover, crop diversification provides an alternative means of enhancing farmers’ income. Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) reemerged in the background of European agriculture approximately three decades ago, when the first studies on this ancient native oilseed species were published. Since then, a considerable number of studies on this species has been carried out in Europe. The main interest in camelina is related to its (1) broad environmental adaptability, (2) low-input requirements, (3) resistance to multiple pests and diseases, and (4) multiple uses in food, feed, and biobased applications. The present article is a comprehensive and critical review of research carried out in Europe (compared with the rest of the world) on camelina in the last three decades, including genetics and breeding, agronomy and cropping systems, and end-uses, with the aim of making camelina an attractive new candidate crop for European farming systems. Furthermore, a critical evaluation of what is still missing to scale camelina up from a promising oilseed to a commonly cultivated crop in Europe is also provided (1) to motivate scientists to promote their studies and (2) to show farmers and end-users the real potential of this interesting species.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Pubudu Kumara ◽  
Kandiah Pakeerathan ◽  
Liyanage P. P. Deepani

Green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) is one of the most economically important grain legumes of the traditional farming systems of Sri Lanka because it is a cheap source of protein and animal feed, and sustains soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Weeds are one of the major problems in green gram cultivation, reducing the yield through competition, interference with harvest and harboring pests and diseases. Controlling of weeds by applying herbicides would definitely cause unexpected damage to human health and the abundant biodiversity of Sri Lanka. Therefore, an investigation was planned to evaluate the yield loss due to weeds and to determine the optimum weed free period to minimize the yield losses. Two experiments were performed. The first experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different weed functional groups on the yield of green gram. In the second experiment, weeds were continuously hand weeded and areas kept weed free. In the third, weeds were allowed to compete with green gram until 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 weeks after cultivation. All the treatments were conducted in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The data collected on types of weed, number of pods and pod weight at 3–6 weeks after planting (WAP) were analyzed using the SAS 9.4 statistical package, and DMRT was performed to determine the best treatment combination. The results from the first experiment showed that average yield loss due to total weed populations was 54.77%. Yield loss due to grasses alone was 46.56%, far worse than broad leaves (16.49%) and sedges (18.01%) at p < 0.05. Crop stand count at 3–4 WAP was not significantly different among treatments. However, biomass weight of 50 plants, number of pods in 50 plants and grain weight of 10 plants were found to be significantly different after 3–4 WAP in weed free conditions at p < 0.05%. When the weed free period increased, the yield was increased until 3 WAP; thereafter, not significant yield increment was observed. In contrast, yield steeply declined in plots that had weeds until 3 WAP. According to the results of the present study, it can be concluded that the critical weed free period from the planting of green gram is 3 WAP. Maintaining a weed free period for 3–4 weeks is recommended to minimize the yield loss of green gram at minimal weed management cost.


2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 355-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dogan ISIK ◽  
Adem AKCA ◽  
Emine KAYA ALTOP ◽  
Nihat TURSUN ◽  
Husrev MENNAN

Accurate assessment of crop-weed control period is an essential part for planning an effective weed management for cropping systems. Field experiments were conducted during the seasonal growing periods of potato in 2012 and 2013 in Kayseri, Turkey to assess critical period for weed control (CPWC) in potato. A four parameter log-logistic model was used to assist in monitoring and analysing two sets of related, relative crop yield. Data was obtained during the periods of increased weed interference and as a comparison, during weed-free periods. In both years, the relative yield of potato decreased with a longer period of weed-interference whereas increased with increasing length of weed free period. In 2012, the CPWC ranged from 112 to 1014 GDD (Growing Degree Days) which corresponded to 8 to 66 days after crop emergence (DAE) and between 135-958 GDD (10 to 63 DAE) in the following year based on a 5% acceptable yield loss. Weed-free conditions needed to be established as early as the first week after crop emergence and maintained as late as ten weeks after crop emergence to avoid more than 5% yield loss in the potato. The results suggest that CPWC could well assist potato producers to significantly reduce the expense of their weed management programs as well as improving its efficacy.


2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 1195 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Monjardino ◽  
D. J. Pannell ◽  
S. B. Powles

Most cropping farms in Western Australia must deal with the management of herbicide-resistant populations of weeds such as annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) and wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum). Farmers are approaching the problem of herbicide resistance by adopting integrated weed management systems, which allow weed control with a range of different techniques. These systems include non-herbicide methods ranging from delayed seeding and high crop seeding rates to the use of non-cropping phases in the rotation. In this paper, the Multi-species RIM (resistance and integrated management) model was used to investigate the value of including non-cropping phases in the crop rotation. Non-crop options investigated here were haying and green manuring. Despite them providing excellent weed control, it was found that inclusion of these non-cropping phases did not increase returns, except in cases of extreme weed numbers and high levels of herbicide resistance.


Agriculture ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilary Sandler

Integrated weed management (IWM) has been part of cranberry cultivation since its inception in the early 19th century. Proper site and cultivar selection, good drainage, rapid vine establishment, and hand weeding are as important now for successful weed management as when the industry first started. In 1940, Extension publications listed eight herbicides (e.g., petroleum-based products, inorganic salts and sulfates) for weed control. Currently, 18 herbicides representing 11 different modes of action are registered for use on cranberries. Nonchemical methods, such as hand weeding, sanding, flooding, and proper fertilization, remain integral for managing weed populations; new tactics such as flame cultivation have been added to the toolbox. Priority ratings have been developed to aid in weed management planning. Despite many efforts, biological control of weeds remains elusive on the commercial scale. Evaluation of new herbicides, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), image analysis, and precision agriculture technology; investigation of other management practices for weeds and their natural enemies; utilization of computational decision making and Big Data; and determination of the impact of climate change are research areas whose results will translate into new use recommendations for the weed control of cranberry.


Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Von Yi Yap ◽  
Phaeng Xaphokhame ◽  
Andreas de Neergaard ◽  
Thilde Bech Bruun

Intercropping of legumes can be a strategy to improve soil fertility and enhance overall productivity while reducing dependency on external inputs in intensified cropping systems. Integration of legumes in maize-based cropping systems is promoted as an agro-ecological intensification option for input-constrained smallholders in uplands of Southeast Asia, but adoption rates in the region remain low. The overall aim of this study was to assess the suitability and trade-offs of integrating ricebean in maize-based smallholder cropping systems in upland areas of Northern Laos. We conducted a researcher-managed field trial to investigate the agronomic performance of ricebean/maize intercropping, and farmer-managed trials combined with surveys (N = 97), and focus group discussions in 10 villages to understand factors influencing farmers’ decision making concerning ricebean adoption. Drought, rat infestation and crop damage by grazing livestock were identified as important constraints to the production of ricebeans. Factors facilitating adoption included improvement of soil fertility, the potentially high selling price of ricebeans and the presence of extension agents, while barriers included labour shortage, concerns about competition with maize and lack of a market outlet for the ricebean produce. We conclude that the investigated maize/ricebean intercropping system is poorly suited to the current conditions in the study area, and call for farm-based studies focusing on developing locally adapted legume intercropping systems able to perform under variable rainfall conditions. Initiatives addressing challenges related to free grazing livestock and efforts to link legume producers in remote areas to emerging markets are also needed.


Weed Science ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 390-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Sartorato ◽  
Antonio Berti ◽  
Giuseppe Zanin ◽  
Claudio M. Dunan

The introduction of herbicide-resistant crops and postemergence herbicides with a wide action spectrum shifted the research focus from how to when crops should be treated. To maximize net return of herbicide applications, the evolution of weed–crop competition over time must be considered and its effects quantified. A model for predicting the yield trend in relation to weed removal time, considering emergence dynamics and density, was tested on data from glyphosate-resistant soybean grown in cropping systems in Italy and Argentina. Despite an ample variation of weed emergence dynamics and weed load in the four trials, the model satisfactorily predicted yield loss evolution. The estimated optimum time for weed control (OTWC) varied from about 18 d after soybean emergence in Argentina to 20 to 23 d in Italy, with time windows for spraying ranging from 14 to 28 d. Within these limits a single glyphosate application ensures good weed control at low cost and avoids side effects like the more probable unfavorable weed flora evolution with double applications and the presence of residues in grains. Despite the apparent simplicity of weed control based on nonselective herbicides, the study outlines that many variables have to be considered to optimize weed management, particularly for the time evolution of the infestation and, subsequently, a proper timing of herbicide application.


2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Byrne ◽  
J. Spink ◽  
R. Freckleton ◽  
P. Neve ◽  
S. Barth

AbstractGrass weeds affect arable crops throughout the world, inflicting yield penalties, reducing crop quality and taking available nutrients away from the growing crop. Recently in Ireland, the presence of herbicide resistance in grass weeds has been noted. In order to preserve the sustainability of crop production in Ireland, an integrated pest management approach must be implemented. How this applies to control grass weeds was the focus of this review. Here we examined the state of current research into grass weed biology and the nature of herbicide resistance, identifying gaps in research in the Irish context. We identified a number of cultural grass weed control techniques, as being relevant to the Irish mode of crop production. Crop rotation, cultivation techniques, manipulation of sowing dates and increased crop competition were recognised as useful strategies. Combining these strategies to provide effective grass weed control may be key to reduce dependence on herbicides.


Weed Science ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald C. Thill ◽  
Carol A. Mallory-Smith

Weeds spread through movement of seeds and vegetative reproductive propagules. Pollen movement can spread weedy traits, such as herbicide resistance, between related weed and crop species. Weed seeds can spread short or long distances by natural plant dehiscence mechanisms, wind, water, animals, and man&s activities. This symposium paper is a practical review of short-distance spread of weed seeds in and between nearby arable fields and noncrop lands, examining some of the causes of spread and subsequent effects on crop production. Pollen movement, as it affects the spread of herbicide resistance, also is considered a component of short-distance weed spread. Specific weed management options can be used to reduce man-caused weed seed spread within and between nearby fields, thus reducing potential crop yield losses. Long-term management will be more difficult for weed seed spread by natural dispersal mechanisms.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 437-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Merotto JR. ◽  
C. Bredemeier ◽  
R.A. Vidal ◽  
I.C.G.R. Goulart ◽  
E.D. Bortoli ◽  
...  

Several tools of precision agriculture have been developed for specific uses. However, this specificity may hinder the implementation of precision agriculture due to an increasing in costs and operational complexity. The use of vegetation index sensors which are traditionally developed for crop fertilization, for site-specific weed management can provide multiple utilizations of these sensors and result in the optimization of precision agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between reflectance indices of weeds obtained by the GreenSeekerTM sensor and conventional parameters used for weed interference quantification. Two experiments were conducted with soybean and corn by establishing a gradient of weed interference through the use of pre- and post-emergence herbicides. The weed quantification was evaluated by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the ratio of red to near infrared (Red/NIR) obtained using the GreenSeekerTM sensor, the visual weed control, the weed dry matter, and digital photographs, which supplied information about the leaf area coverage proportions of weed and straw. The weed leaf coverage obtained using digital photography was highly associated with the NDVI (r = 0.78) and the Red/NIR (r = -0.74). The weed dry matter also positively correlated with the NDVI obtained in 1 m linear (r = 0.66). The results indicated that the GreenSeekerTM sensor originally used for crop fertilization could also be used to obtain reflectance indices in the area between rows of crops to support decision-making programs for weed control.


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