scholarly journals Weed Control Ability of Single Sown Cover Crops Compared to Species Mixtures

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Schappert ◽  
Matthias Schumacher ◽  
Roland Gerhards
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Carthamus Tinctorius ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Anethum Graveolens ◽  
Control Efficacy ◽  
Oilseed Radish ◽  
Adverse Weather

To achieve efficient weed control through cover cropping, the plant species chosen needs particular consideration. Combing different cover crop (CC) species in mixtures may increase the number of provided ecosystem services, including reliable suppression of weeds. We tested the weed suppression ability of single CC species and CC mixtures in a field trial during the autumn-to-winter growing season of 2016 and 2017. Anethum graveolens L. (dill), Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis Pers. (oilseed radish), Avena strigosa Schreb. (black oat), Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower), Vicia sativa L. (vetch) and Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. (phacelia) were sown in monocultures, as well as in mixtures with three or six species. Treatments with favorable establishment and above-average biomass yields tended to suppress weeds by showing lower weed dry matter and weed numbers. The highest weed control efficacy within the monocultures was reached in 2017 by black oat and oilseed radish with 72% and 83%, respectively. The mixture treatments reached a generally lower soil cover, aboveground dry matter and weed control efficacy (with an average of 57% in 2017). Even though mixtures were not as effective as the best performing single sown CCs, species combinations increased resilience against adverse weather conditions, an advantage to achieving efficient weed control over a long-term period. Therefore, species composition within mixtures is more relevant than the number of species included.

scholarly journals Do cover crop sowing date and fertilization affect field weed suppression?  

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 82-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sturm Dominic J ◽  
Kunz Christoph ◽  
Peteinatos Gerassimos ◽  
Gerhards Roland
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Control Efficacy ◽  
Biochemical Effects ◽  
Oilseed Radish ◽  
Weed Suppressive Ability ◽  
Fertilization Effects

The weed suppressive ability of oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis Pers.) cover crop is attributed to high competitiveness for resources and biochemical effects on weeds. The oilseed radish cover crop was sown in five treatments plus an untreated control over a period of five weeks before and three weeks after winter wheat harvest. Additionally, fertilization effects on oilseed radish biomass and weed suppression were measured. The highest biomass of the cover crop was observed 12 weeks after harvest (WAH) when the oilseed radish was sown one week after harvest (1 WAH) (2015) and five weeks before harvest (5 WBH) (2016). No differences of fertilization were observed concerning oilseed radish and weed biomass in 2015, whereby increased biomass was found after fertilization in 2016. The highest weed control efficacy of up to 83% and 90% was achieved in treatments 1 WAH (2015) and 5 WBH (2016) at 12 WAH. The early sowing of oilseed radish in winter wheat resulted in low germination and biomass yield within the field, due to low precipitation in 2015. Nevertheless, there is a high potential of early sown oilseed radish for higher weed control efficacy, which was demonstrated in 2016.  

scholarly journals Weed suppressive ability of cover crops under water-limited conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (No. 11) ◽  
pp. 541-548
Author(s):  
Alexandra Schappert ◽  
Alexander I. Linn ◽  
Dominic J. Sturm ◽  
Roland Gerhards
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Water Deficit ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Control Efficacy ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Weed Suppressive Ability ◽  
Field Season

The water demand for cover crops (CC) should be considered to achieve competitive crop stands for weed control also under unfavorable conditions. This study aims to estimate the weed suppressive ability of winter CC, as Sinapis alba L., Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth., Vicia sativa L. and Avena strigosa Schreb., under a water-limited regime. The water deficit tolerance of different CC was determined in a greenhouse experiment by measuring the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II. Moreover, soil moisture, CC, and weed establishment were measured in field experiments in Southwest-Germany during two contrasting growing seasons in 2016 and 2017. A. strigosa showed a higher water deficit tolerance than S. alba in the greenhouse. In the field, A. strigosa showed the highest weed cover reduction (98%) in the field, along with an increasing effect on the soil moisture compared to the untreated control. S. alba performed most sensitive to water deficit in the greenhouse but reached the significantly highest weed control efficacy (94%) during the dry field season in 2016. Even though the selected CC showed differing sensitivities to water deficit in the greenhouse, their weed suppression ability was independent of the water supply under field conditions.

scholarly journals Spring-planted cover crops for weed control in soybean

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Katja Koehler-Cole ◽  
Christopher A. Proctor ◽  
Roger W. Elmore ◽  
David A. Wedin
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Cold Temperatures ◽  
Weed Biomass ◽  
Small Grains

Abstract Replacing tillage with cover crops (CC) for weed management in corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] systems with mechanical weed control has many soil health benefits but in the western Corn Belt, CC establishment after harvest is hampered by cold temperatures, limited labor and few compatible CC species. Spring-planted CC may be an alternative, but information is lacking on suitable CC species. Our objective was to evaluate four spring-planted CC with respect to biomass production and weed suppression, concurrent with CC growth and post-termination. Cover crop species tested were oat (Avena sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), brown mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] and yellow mustard (Brassica hirta Moench). They were compared to no-CC treatments that were either tilled pre- and post-planting of soybean (no-CC tilled) or not tilled at all (no-CC weedy). CC were planted in late March to early April, terminated 52–59 days later using an undercutter, and soybean was planted within a week. The experiment had a randomized complete block design with four replications and was repeated for 3 years. Mustards and small grains produced similar amounts of biomass (1.54 Mg ha−1) but mustard biomass production was more consistent (0.85–2.72 Mg ha−1) than that of the small grains (0.35–3.81 Mg ha−1). Relative to the no-CC weedy treatment, mustards suppressed concurrent weed biomass in two out of 3 years, by 31–97%, and small grains suppressed concurrent weed biomass in only 1 year, by 98%. Six weeks after soybean planting, small grains suppressed weed biomass in one out of 3 years, by 79% relative to the no-CC weedy treatment, but mustards did not provide significant weed suppression. The no-CC tilled treatment suppressed weeds each year relative to the no-CC weedy treatment, on average 87%. The ineffective weed control by CC reduced soybean biomass by about 50% six weeks after planting. While spring-planted CC have the potential for pre-plant weed control, they do not provide adequate early season weed suppression for soybean.

scholarly journals Planting Alfalfa with Cover Crops on Forage Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Values of Alfalfa

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Doohong Min ◽  
Iryna McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Oilseed Radish ◽  
Nutritive Values ◽  
Raphanus Sativus L ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
Winter Annual

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of planting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with- and without cover crops on forage dry matter yield and nutritive values of alfalfa in Kansas, USA. In the first production year 2014, dry matter yield of mono-culture alfalfa appears to be compatible or even higher than planting with certain species of winter annual forages as a cover crop. Alfalfa planted with a combination of four different multi-species winter annual forages such as oats (Avena sativa L.), oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus L.), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorumL.), and turnip (Brassica rapa L.) had the highest dry matter yield of alfalfa in 2014.Dry matter yield of alfalfa in 2nd production year 2015 was similar to alfalfa + oats and alfalfa + oats + oilseed radish + annual ryegrass + turnip or significantly higher than alfalfa planted with annual ryegrass, oilseed radish, and turnip together. Based on two year of data in 2014 and 2015, the highest alfalfa yield occurred when alfalfa was planted with a combination of oats, oilseed radish, annual ryegrass, and turnip. The lowest dry matter yield of alfalfa occurred when alfalfa was planted with annual ryegrass.No significant differences in crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were found when comparing alfalfa monoculture with alfalfa + oats, alfalfa + oilseed radish, alfalfa + oats + oilseed radish + annual ryegrass + turnip, and alfalfa + turnip treatments. When considering both dry matter and nutritive values of alfalfa, planting alfalfa with cover crops appears to be compatible or better practice than planting alfalfa monoculture.

Integration of cover crops and fertilizer rates for weed management in celery

Weed Science ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (02) ◽  
pp. 326-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin S. Charles ◽  
Mathieu Ngouajio ◽  
Darryl D. Warncke ◽  
Kenneth L. Poff ◽  
Mary K. Hausbeck
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Fertility Level ◽  
Hairy Vetch ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Weed Biomass ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Oilseed Radish

Field studies were carried out in Laingsburg, MI, from 2002 to 2004 on Houghton muck soil to assess the impacts of cover crops and soil fertility regimes on weed populations and celery yield. The cover crops were oilseed radish, cereal rye, hairy vetch, and a bare ground control. The fertility rates were full (180, 90, and 450 kg ha−1nitrogen [N], phosphorus pentoxide [P2O5], and potassium oxide [K2O], respectively), half (90, 45, and 225 kg ha−1N, P2O5, and K2O, respectively), and low (90 kg ha−1N). Each cover crop treatment was combined with the low or half rate of fertilizer. An additional treatment with bare ground plus the full rate of fertilizer was added as standard practice. Treatments were maintained in the same location for the duration of the study. Major weed species were common chickweed, prostrate pigweed, shepherd's-purse, common purslane, and yellow nutsedge. Each year, oilseed radish consistently produced the greatest biomass and provided over 98% early season weed biomass suppression. Hairy vetch and cereal rye provided about 70% weed suppression in early spring. Soil fertility level affected weed populations during the 2004 growing season. In 2004, weed biomass in treatments without cover crops or with vetch increased when greater amounts of fertilizer were applied. Within individual fertility levels, higher celery yields were recorded in the oilseed radish plots. For example, in the low fertility rate, celery yield was 34.8, 29.2, 23.9, and 24.4 ton ha−1in the oilseed radish, cereal rye, hairy vetch, and control plots, respectively in 2003. Overall, the results of this experiment indicate that when included in a system where hoeing and hand-weeding are the only weed control methods, cover crops can successfully improve weed management and celery yield on muck soils, allowing reduced fertilizer inputs.

Cereal cover crops for weed suppression in a summer fallow-wheat cropping sequence

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 441-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Moyer ◽  
R. E. Blackshaw ◽  
E. G. Smith ◽  
S. M. McGinn
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Wheat Crop ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Summer Fallow

Cropping systems in western Canada that include summer fallow can leave the soil exposed to erosion and require frequent weed control treatments. Cover crops have been used for soil conservation and to suppress weed growth. Experiments were conducted under rain-fed conditions at Lethbridge, Alberta to determine the effect of short-term fall rye (Secale cereale L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and annual rye cover crops in the fallow year on weed growth and subsequent wheat yield. Under favorable weather conditions fall rye was as effective as post-harvest plus early spring tillage or herbicides in spring weed control. Winter wheat and fall rye residues, after growth was terminated in June, reduced weed biomass in September by 50% compared to no cover crop in 1993 but had little effect on weeds in 1995. Fall-seeded cover crops reduced the density of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber in Wiggers) and Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.] but increased the density of downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.), wild buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus L.), and thyme-leaved spurge (Euphorbia serpyllifolia Pers.) in the following fall or spring. Wheat yields after fall rye and no cover crop were similar but yields after spring-seeded annual rye were less than after no cover crop. Spring-seeded annual rye did not adequately compete with weeds. Cover crops, unlike the no cover crop treatment, always left sufficient plant residue to protect the soil from erosion until the following wheat crop was seeded. Key words: Allelopathies, fall rye, nitrogen, soil conservation, soil moisture, weed control, spring rye, winter wheat

Potential of Rye (Secale cereale) for Weed Management in Transplant Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Weed Science ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 596-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reid J. Smeda ◽  
Stephen C. Weller
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Management Technique ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
Tomato Yield ◽  
Weed Growth

Weed control in tomato production systems is difficult because few are registered. The use of rye for weed control and its influence on transplant tomato yields was investigated during 1986 and 1987 at two locations in IN to determine if cover crops can provide an alternative weed management technique. ‘Wheeler’ rye was sown in the fall of 1985 and 1986, and mowed or desiccated with glyphosate at various times before planting ‘IND 812'tomatoes. At the time of glyphosate application, rye residues reduced the growth of overwintering weeds by 93% or more compared to bare ground (no cover crop) areas. The time of desiccating rye prior to planting tomatoes affected the extent of weed suppression by rye residues. In 1986, rye treated 4 wk before planting (WBP) tomatoes provided up to 89% suppression of weed growth at 2 wk after planting (WAP) tomatoes, but no measurable weed suppression 5 WAP tomatoes. Rye treated 2 WBP tomatoes provided up to 97% weed suppression up to 5 WAP tomatoes. In 1987, weed suppression varied between locations and differed from 1986. At Lafayette, rye treated 2 and 1 WBP tomatoes provided greater than 81% suppression of weed growth up to 8 WAP tomatoes. Rye mowed and the residues placed into a plot at a known density also reduced weed growth (60%) 8 WAP tomatoes. At Vincennes, however, rye treated 2 and 1 WBP in 1987 did not reduce weed growth later than 4 WAP tomatoes compared to the unweeded, bare ground treatment. The mowed rye residues at Vincennes suppressed weed growth (96%) up to 8 WAP tomatoes. Tomato yield was correlated to weed suppression. In 1986, tomato yield in the rye treated 2 WBP tomatoes was comparable to yield in the bare ground, weeded controls. However, tomato yield in rye plots treated 4 WBP tomatoes was similar to yield in the bare ground, unweeded control. In 1987, tomato yields in all rye plots (mowed, treated 2 and 1 WBP tomatoes) were similar to tomato yields in the bare ground, weeded control at Lafayette. At Vincennes, only the mowed rye treatment yielded comparably to the bare ground, weeded control. In general, rye plots that were weeded yielded similar to or up to 28% more than a bare ground, weeded control. Tomato yields were not reduced by rye residues. Tomato yields in rye residues that provided effective suppression of weed growth (greater than 80%) for a minimum of 4 to 5 WAP tomatoes were comparable to bare ground, weeded controls.

Effects of a fall rye cover crop on weeds and productivity of Phaseolus beans

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-33
Author(s):  
Heather E. Flood ◽  
Martin H. Entz
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Early Termination ◽  
Plant Populations ◽  
Dry Bean ◽  
Early Season ◽  
Bean Yield ◽  
Herbicide Use

Fall-seeded rye (Secale cereale) is known to suppress weeds through physical and allelopathic properties. This study examined the effects of fall rye cover crops on weed and dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) productivity over four site–years in Manitoba. In addition to rye, we tested early versus late spring rye termination times as well as herbicide use in a factorial experiment with four replicates. In the absence of herbicides, rye reduced early-season broadleaf and grassy weed plant populations by 44%–72% and 43%–88%, respectively. Terminating rye at the four-leaf stage (∼1100 kg dry matter ha−1) provided the same level of weed suppression as termination at booting (∼3100 kg dry matter ha−1). Early rye termination increased bean plant populations (significant at three out of four sites), bean development (four out of four sites), bean biomass (two out of four sites), and bean yield (three out of four sites) compared with later termination. Lower bean yield with rye at one site–year was attributed to dry early season conditions, where rye reduced soil water content. While the rye cover crop provided multiple benefits to bean production, early termination resulted in the best agronomic outcome. Rye was beneficial to weed control even when herbicides were used.

A study of the process of making stack silage

1926 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herbert Ernest Woodman ◽  
Frederick Hanley
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Graphical Form ◽  
Adverse Weather Conditions ◽  
Adverse Weather ◽  
Chemical Character ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Distinct Temperature ◽  
Different Parts ◽  
Continuous Temperature

An account has been given of an investigation which was designed to test the efficacy of the process of ensilage in the stack for preserving hay crops which are in danger of spoiling in consequence of adverse weather conditions.The character of the ensiled crops and the weather conditions at the time of ensiling, together with the process of building the stack, have been described in detail.The results of continuous temperature readings in the stack have been given in graphical form. The significance of the two distinct temperature maxima which characterized the temperature curve has been discussed, and the importance of this method of investigation in regard to the elucidation of the processes which go on during ensilage has been emphasized.The chemical character of the “sweet” silage samples obtained from experimental bags buried in different parts of the stack has been investigated. The losses of dry matter resulting from fermentation and drainage have been determined and the changes affecting the individual constituents of the crop have been followed quantitatively. The results so obtained have been compared with similar figures referring to the process of ensilage in the tower and the clamp.It has been shown that the loss of dry matter in the “sweet” silage layers of the stack compares satisfactorily in magnitude with the losses accompanying the preservation of crops in the tower silo and is appreciably smaller than that associated with the production of “sour” silage in the clamp.

scholarly journals Cover crops as green mulching for weed management in rice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Fogliatto ◽  
Lorenzo Patrucco ◽  
Fernando De Palo ◽  
Barbara Moretti ◽  
Marco Milan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Low Temperatures ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Rice Yield ◽  
Frost Damage ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Weed Density

A field study was carried out in 2017 and 2018 in two Italian rice farms (at Livorno Ferraris and Rovasenda) to assess the effect of using cover crops as green mulching on weed control and rice yield. In each site, three different rice fields were sown after rice harvest with either Vicia villosa, Lolium multiflorum, or a mixture of both (V. villosa 40% + L. multiflorum 60%); at Rovasenda a small percentage of Brassica napus and Triticale was also present in the mixture. An additional field at both sites without cover crop was considered as a control reference. Rice was broadcasted sown within the cover crop in May. After few days, the cover crop was terminated in half of each field using a roller-crimper, while in the other half it was terminated by shredding. Within 10 days, the fields were flooded for about a week to promote the degradation of the cover crop biomass. Then, the fields were cultivated in flooding conditions without further weed control. Weed density and weed cover were evaluated thrice during the growing season. At harvest, rice yield and harvest index were determined. Mixed nested ANOVAs were performed for each site to assess the effect of cover crop species, termination technique, and the interaction between cover crop and year. L. multiflorum showed a high biomass before termination, while V. villosa had a more variable development. At Rovasenda, V. villosa growth was limited because of the combination of scarce emergence due to sod-seeding and frost damage. In general, green mulching significantly affected weed density. The best weed suppression was observed with L. multiflorum and mix at Rovasenda, with values of weed density <40 plants m-2 recorded in 2018. At both sites, rice yield was variable in the two years. The highest rice yield (>5 t ha-1) was observed in 2018 in the shredded mixture at Rovasenda and in V. villosa at Livorno Ferraris in 2017. Generally, control fields showed lower yields (1-3 t ha-1) at both sites. The termination methods did not significantly affect both weed density and rice yield. The results highlighted that green mulching could reduce weed infestations, even though alone is not able to completely avoid weed development. Some critical issues of the technique were observed, such as the need of a good cover crop establishment, that eventually results in abundant biomass production and significant weed suppression.   Highlights - Green mulching reduces weed pressure but it should be integrated with other weed control techniques. - Hairy vetch showed poor establishment because of the combination of scarce emergence due to sod-seeding and low temperatures. - Italian ryegrass was more tolerant to low temperatures and showed a good cover that contained weed growth. - Cover crop mixture showed variable results with higher suppression probably related to the number of cover crop species present in the mixture. - The termination methods (crimping and shredding) did not affect weed density and rice yield.

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