Weed Ecology and Nonchemical Management under Strip-Tillage: Implications for Northern U.S. Vegetable Cropping Systems

• DOI: 10.1614/wt-d-12-00068.1
• Publication Date: 2013-03-13T23:11:03Z
• Authors: Daniel C. Brainard; R. Edward Peachey; Erin R. Haramoto; John M. Luna; Anusuya Rangarajan
• Keywords: Cropping system

In northern U.S. vegetable cropping systems, attempts at no-till (NT) production have generally failed because of poor crop establishment and delayed maturity. Strip tillage (ST) minimizes these problems by targeting to the zone where crops are planted while maintaining untilled zones between rows, which foster improvements in soil quality. ST has been shown maintain yields reducing energy use protecting soils crops, including sweet corn, winter squash, snap bean, carrot, cole crops. Despite potential benefits ST, weed management remains an important obstacle widespread adoption. Increased adoption systems for effective, low-cost herbicides either limited (e.g., most crops) or prohibited organic systems) will require integration multiple cultural, biological, mechanical approaches weak points life cycles. Weed population dynamics under more complex than full-width, conventional (CT) NT propagules—as well as factors influencing them—can move readily zones. For example, may provide a refuge seed predators source slowly mineralized nitrogen, affects mortality germination tilled zone. Greater understanding such interzonal interactions suggest manipulations selectively suppress weeds promoting growth systems. Previous studies recent experiences need develop strategies that target distinct balancing tradeoffs. zones, optimal consist weed-suppressive cover mulching, combined with nitrogen exclusion high-residue cultivation needed. contrast, benefit from innovations precision flame-weeding technologies. These short-term longer-term approaches, tillage-rotation, rotation, strategies, aimed preventing production, predation decay, buildup problematic perennial weeds. However, concerted research effort focused on populations testing refining integrated be necessary before is likely widely adopted without increased reliance herbicides.