Progress towards no-till organic weed control in western Canada

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. Shirtliffe ◽  
Eric N. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Faba Bean ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Green Manure ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Field Pea ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
No Till ◽  
Green Manure Crops

AbstractOrganic farmers in western Canada rely on tillage to control weeds and incorporate crop residues that could plug mechanical weed-control implements. However, tillage significantly increases the risk of soil erosion. For farmers seeking to reduce or eliminate tillage, potential alternatives include mowing or using a roller crimper for terminating green manure crops (cover crops) or using a minimum tillage (min-till) rotary hoe for mechanically controlling weeds. Although many researchers have studied organic crop production in western Canada, few have studied no-till organic production practices. Two studies were recently conducted in Saskatchewan to determine the efficacy of the following alternatives to tillage: mowing and roller crimping for weed control, and min-till rotary hoeing weed control in field pea (Pisum sativum L.). The first study compared mowing and roller crimping with tillage when terminating faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and field pea green manure crops. Early termination of annual green manure crops with roller crimping or mowing resulted in less weed regrowth compared with tillage. When compared with faba bean, field pea produced greater crop biomass, suppressed weeds better and had less regrowth. Wheat yields following pea were not affected by the method of termination. Thus, this first study indicated that roller crimping and mowing are viable alternatives to tillage to terminate field pea green manure crops. The second study evaluated the tolerance and efficacy of a min-till rotary harrow in no-till field pea production. The min-till rotary hoe was able to operate in no-till cereal residues and multiple passes did not affect the level of residue cover. Field pea exhibited excellent tolerance to the min-till rotary hoe. Good weed control occurred with multiple rotary hoe passes, and pea seed yield was 87% of the yield obtained in the herbicide-treated check. Therefore, this second study demonstrated that min-till rotary hoeing effectively controls many small seeded annual weeds in the presence of crop residue and thus can reduce the need for tillage in organic-cropping systems.

scholarly journals Extreme Grain-Based Cropping Systems: When Herbicide-Free Weed Management Meets Conservation Tillage in Northern Climates

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 204-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Légère ◽  
Steven J. Shirtliffe ◽  
Anne Vanasse ◽  
Robert H. Gulden
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Green Manure ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Low Input ◽  
No Till ◽  
Green Manure Crops

The challenges associated with the adoption of conservation tillage and/or low-input cropping systems, whether organic or herbicide-free, across Canada are shaped by scale, environment, and local practices. A study in eastern Canada captured the challenges of introducing low-input cropping systems in mature (20+ yr) tillage treatments in a barley/red clover/corn/soybean rotation. Each mature tillage system came with its own weed problems, but this did not affect crops such as barley and red clover, which produced similar yields across high and low input systems. However, some form of primary tillage was needed to achieve adequate weed control and yield in organic (ORG) and herbicide-free (HF) systems. The HF and ORG systems with no-till actually failed to produce a corn crop but produced soybean yields that were half or less than that for other treatments. The successful combination of conservation tillage practices and low-input systems in eastern Canada would thus appear to be crop-specific, being easier to achieve in competitive cereal crops. In western Canadian organic agriculture, tillage is practiced with low-disturbance chisel plows instead of inversion plows. However, green manure crops (summer cover crops) are often terminated with tandem discs. Both roller crimpers and mowing can successfully kill annual green manure crops such as field pea and rye, and usually result in reduced weed growth following termination. However, the lack of tillage can result in lower crop yields in wheat following green manure terminated by roller crimping compared to tillage. Challenges for no-till organic practices include perennial weed control and soil fertility. Overall, flexible crop production programs such as the former Manitoba Pesticide Free Production program and the “Agriculture raisonnéeTM” program in Québec are more likely to promote sustained environmental, economic, and social prosperity than rigid adherence to organic or no-till practices.

scholarly journals Non-Chemical Weed Management in Vegetables by Using Cover Crops: A Review

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Husrev Mennan ◽  
Khawar Jabran ◽  
Bernard H. Zandstra ◽  
Firat Pala
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Negative Effects

Vegetables are a substantial part of our lives and possess great commercial and nutritional value. Weeds not only decrease vegetable yield but also reduce their quality. Non-chemical weed control is important both for the organic production of vegetables and achieving ecologically sustainable weed management. Estimates have shown that the yield of vegetables may be decreased by 45%–95% in the case of weed–vegetable competition. Non-chemical weed control in vegetables is desired for several reasons. For example, there are greater chances of contamination of vegetables by herbicide residue compared to cereals or pulse crops. Non-chemical weed control in vegetables is also needed due to environmental pollution, the evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds and a strong desire for organic vegetable cultivation. Although there are several ways to control weeds without the use of herbicides, cover crops are an attractive choice because these have a number of additional benefits (such as soil and water conservation) along with the provision of satisfactory and sustainable weed control. Several cover crops are available that may provide excellent weed control in vegetable production systems. Cover crops such as rye, vetch, or Brassicaceae plants can suppress weeds in rotations, including vegetables crops such as tomato, cabbage, or pumpkin. Growers should also consider the negative effects of using cover crops for weed control, such as the negative allelopathic effects of some cover crop residues on the main vegetable crop.

Conservation tillage for organic agriculture: Evolution toward hybrid systems in the western USA

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Luna ◽  
Jeffrey P. Mitchell ◽  
Anil Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Solanum Melongena ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Crop Failure ◽  
No Till ◽  
Tillage Treatment ◽  
Strip Tillage

AbstractOrganic farming has been historically dependent on conventional tillage operations to convert perennial pasture leys to annual crop rotations, incorporate crop residues, compost and cover crops, as well as to mechanically kill existing vegetation. Conventional tillage, however, has long been known to lead to soil degradation and erosion. A recently developed no-till organic production system that uses a roller–crimper technology to mechanically kill cover crops was evaluated in two states in the western United States. In Washington, pumpkins (Cucurbitaspp.) grown in a no-till roller–crimper (NT-RC) system produced yields 80% of conventional tillage, but with fewer weeds. However, in California on-farm research trials in organic cotton (Gossypium barbadenseL.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumMill.), eggplant (Solanum melongenaL.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp.), the no-till system produced virtual crop failure, or yields less than 20% of the standard production method. The major problems associated with rolled cover crops in California included reduced crop seedling emergence, planter impediment with excessive residue, lack of moisture and delay in transplanting of vegetable crops due to continued growth of cover crops, in-season crop competition from cover crop regrowth and impracticability of using cultivators. Further, excessive dry residue during summer in California can present the risk of fire. In both California and Oregon, considerable success has been demonstrated with zone tillage (strip tillage) in conventionally produced field and vegetable crops. In a replicated Oregon trial, the organic strip tillage treatment produced 85% of the broccoli (Brassica oleraceaL.) yield compared to a conventional tillage treatment. Our studies suggest that the zone tillage concept may offer opportunities to overcome many of the agronomic challenges facing no-till.

scholarly journals Organic Vegetable Cultivation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Usha Nandhini Devi Harinarayanan ◽  
Pugalendhi Lakshmanan
Keyword(s):  
Green Manure ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Chemical Fertilizers ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Organic Cultivation ◽  
Premium Price ◽  
Green Manure Crops

Present day agricultural practices are posing a serious threat to the human population due to unscrupulous use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Conventional agricultural practices wherein large quantities and unscrupulous use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are no longer safer as it directly enter the food chain. Hence, organic cultivation of vegetables is gaining momentum among the growing population. Organic practices rely on crop rotations, crop residues, plant and animal manures, growing of legume and green manure crops and biological control of pests and diseases. It aims to combine tradition, innovation and science in a balanced proportion to utilize the environment in safer manner and maintain ecological balance. Organic cultivation assures protection of the environment and plays a major role on the economy of a nation. Sustainable production of organic vegetables needs to be ensured to fetch premium price in the domestic as well as international markets. Organic farming has shown expansion in the recent years in the European countries offering scope for a better price in the international market.

scholarly journals Energy efficiency of technology of cultivation of agricultural crops on the irrigated lands of the South of Ukraine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Vozhegova ◽  
◽  
N. M. Galchenko ◽  
D. I. Kotelnikov ◽  
V. M. Мaliarchuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Crop Rotation ◽  
Green Manure ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Nitrogen Nutrition ◽  
Crop Rotations ◽  
Harvest Residues ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
No Till ◽  
Productivity Indicators

The article reflects the results of research on the study of crop rotation productivity and energy efficiency components of crop rotation technology in terms of depending on different methods and depth of basic tillage. The purpose of the research was to determine the impact of basic tillage and fertilization on crop rotation productivity indicators and indicators of economic efficiency of crop rotation technology in irrigated conditions in the south of Ukraine. Methods: the field, in-gravimetric, visual, laboratory, calculation-comparative, mathematically-statistical and confessedly in Ukraine methods and methodical recommendations. The research was conducted during 2016-2019 in the research fields of the Askanian SARS IIA NAAS of Ukraine. Results. The use of differentiated and shallow single-depth system of basic tillage to the same productivity indicators at the level of 8.21 and 8.22 t.o.o./ha of products. However, the use of shallow tillage with different depths increased the productivity to 8.49 tons of water/ha, or 3.3%, and with no-till the lowest productivity was obtained 7.15 tons of water/ha. At the same time, the organo-mineral system of fertilizer N90P40 + green manure + crop residues yielded at the level of 7.61 tons per hectare. The improvement of nitrogen nutrition of crop rotations to N105P40 + green manure to get her with the earning of crop residues increased this figure to 8.06 ton so.o./ha, or 5.9% more than the control. At the same time, the maximum productivity indicators of 8.52 tons per hectare were obtained for the N120P40 system + green manure + post-harvest residues, which is actually 12% more than in the control. The reduction of total energy consumption was obtained with a shallow single-depth system of main cultivation of 26.45 GJ/ha, and the lowest values of 25.27 GJ/ha were obtained with no-till, which is 6.8% less than in the control. Application of organo-mineral fertilizer system N90P40 + green manure + post harvest residues formed costs at the level of 24.94 GJ/ha, increase of nitrogen nutrition of crop rotations to N105P40 + green manure with post harvest residues increased costs to 26.35 GJ/ha, and the highest costs 26.37 GJ/ha was obtained in the variant N120P40 + green manure, where the figures were higher by 11.5% compared to the control. Almost the same energy yield was obtained for differentiated and single-depth shallow tillage systems 127.33 and 127.64 GJha, respectively. The application of the system of multi-depth tillage increased the yield to 133.24 GJ/ha. Conclusion. The calculation of energy efficiency testifies that growing of agricultural cultures at bringing of N120Р40 + green manure + post-harvest residues in the system of the plowless on different depth is most expedient and justified from the power point of view. Technology of growing, which is based on these agrotechnology measures provides the receipt of maximal energy coefficient at the level of 4,96

scholarly journals Effect of Winter Cover Crop Residue on No-till Pumpkin Yield

HortScience ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 1568-1574 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Ryan Harrelson ◽  
Greg D. Hoyt ◽  
John L. Havlin ◽  
David W. Monks
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Surface Residue ◽  
No Till ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Winter Cover Crop ◽  
Winter Cover

Throughout the southeastern United States, vegetable growers have successfully cultivated pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo) using conventional tillage. No-till pumpkin production has not been pursued by many growers as a result of the lack of herbicides, no-till planting equipment, and knowledge in conservation tillage methods. All of these conservation production aids are now present for successful no-till vegetable production. The primary reasons to use no-till technologies for pumpkins include reduced erosion, improved soil moisture conservation, long-term improvement in soil chemical and microbial properties, and better fruit appearance while maintaining similar yields compared with conventionally produced pumpkins. Cover crop utilization varies in no-till production, whereas residue from different cover crops can affect yields. The objective of these experiments was to evaluate the influence of surface residue type on no-till pumpkin yield and fruit quality. Results from these experiments showed all cover crop residues produced acceptable no-till pumpkin yields and fruit size. Field location, weather conditions, soil type, and other factors probably affected pumpkin yields more than surface residue. Vegetable growers should expect to successfully grow no-till pumpkins using any of the winter cover crop residues tested over a wide range in residue biomass rates.

scholarly journals Selected Legumes Used As Summer Cover Crops

EDIS ◽  
1969 ◽  
Vol 2003 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Rich ◽  
David Wright ◽  
Jim Marois ◽  
Dick Sprenkel
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Green Manure ◽  
Cooperative Extension Service ◽  
Extension Service ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
University Of Florida ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pest Suppression ◽  
Green Manure Crops

Cover crops are generally planted after a primary (cash) crop for one or more of the following reasons: erosion control, organic matter accumulation, improved soil tilth, pest suppression (weed, disease, nematode, and insect), and nitrogen production. Optimally, a cover crop will provide a wide range of most or all of the previously mentioned benefits, even if the main reason for planting it was more specific. The eight cover/green manure crops described herein have been shown to provide several benefits to a succeeding crop. This document is ENY-688 (IN483), one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Publication Date: August 2003.

scholarly journals Evaluating Cover Crop Mulches for No-till Organic Production of Onions

HortScience ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R. Vollmer ◽  
Nancy Creamer ◽  
Chris Reberg-Horton ◽  
Greg Hoyt
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Soil Mineral N ◽  
Soil Mineral ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
No Till

Cover crops of foxtail millet ‘German Strain R’ [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.] and cowpea ‘Iron & Clay’ [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] were grown as monocrops (MIL, COW) and mixtures and compared with a bare ground control (BG) for weed suppression and nitrogen (N) contribution when followed by organically managed no-till bulb onion (Allium cepa L.) production. Experiments in 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 were each conducted on first-year transitional land. Mixtures consisted of cowpea with high, middle, and low seeding rates of millet (MIX-70, MIX-50, MIX-30). During onion production, each cover crop treatment had three N rate subplots (0, 105, and 210 kg N/ha) of surface-applied soybean meal [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. Cover crop treatments COW and BG had the greatest total marketable onion yield both years. Where supplemental baled millet was applied in 2006–2007, onion mortality was over 50% in MIL and MIX and was attributed to the thickness of the millet mulch. Nitrogen rates of 105 and 210 kg N/ha increased soil mineral N (NO3– and NH4+) on BG plots 2 weeks after surface application of soybean meal each year, but stopped having an effect on soil mineral N by February or March. Split applications of soybean meal could be an important improvement in N management to better meet increased demand for N uptake during bulb initiation and growth in the spring.

Optimal seeding rate for organic production of field pea in the northern Great Plains

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Baird ◽  
F. L. Walley ◽  
S. J. Shirtliffe
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Green Manure ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Field Pea ◽  
Northern Great Plains ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Post Harvest

Seeding rates have not been established for organic production of field pea in the northern Great Plains and producers must rely upon a recommended target stand of 88 plants m-2 for conventional production of this crop. This seeding rate may not be suitable as the two systems differ in the use of inputs and in pest management. The objective of this study was to determine an optimal seeding rate for organic production of field pea considering a number of agronomic factors and profitability. Field sites were established using a randomized complete block design with increasing seeding rates, summerfallow and green manure treatments. Seed yield increased up to 1725 kg ha-1 with increasing seeding rate. Weed biomass decreased with increasing seeding rate by up to 68%. Post-harvest soil phosphorus levels and soil water storage did not change consistently between treatments. Post-harvest soil inorganic nitrogen (N), however, was higher for the summerfallow and green manure treatments than for the seeding rate treatments. Field pea reached a maximum economic return at a seeding rate of 200 seeds m-2 and an actual plant density of 120 plants m-2. Organic farmers should increase the seeding rate of field pea to increase returns and provide better weed suppression. Key words: Pea (field), organic, seeding rate, weed suppression, profit, soil N

Results of a study comparing planting time and biomass yield of green manure crops in the steppe zone of Mongolia

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-31
Author(s):  
Onon Deriilaamyatav ◽  
Amarsanaa Bayar
Keyword(s):  
Green Manure ◽  
Steppe Zone ◽  
Field Pea ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Sudan Grass ◽  
Steppe Region ◽  
Study Results ◽  
White Lupine ◽  
Bare Fallow ◽  
Green Manure Crops

Due to the crop monoculture system which has been 60 years continuously played in a key role in the crop sector Mongolia, soil erosion and its fertility decline have been becoming one of the main pressing issues in all crop zones. The main solution of restoration of soil fertility in the steppe zone of Mongolia is not only to reduce bare fallow but also urgently need to apply green manure in all regions. Our study has focused on identifying the appropriate timing to cultivate green manure crops in the Eastern steppe region of Mongolia and to determine the convenient alternatives of crops with a high yield of biomass to use for green manure.    We determined the most convenient time to use crop biomass for green manure is between 22-27th.July for the green manure crops cultivated on the 20th of May. For the crops cultivated on the 30th of May green manure time can be determined between 2-6th. August and for the crops cultivated on the 10th of June the convenient time would be between 10-13th.August.   We prioritized the best option of the crop alternatives based on the 3 years average yield of green mass and concluded that field pea and oat mixture, Sudan grass, and fodder pea mixture can be one of the convenient options for green manure in the steppe zone of Mongolia. According to our study results, convenient alternatives with the highest root mass were yellow clover (27.5-60.5c/ha) and white lupine (27.5-61.4c/ha).  In terms of biomass, the convenient alternatives with the highest biomass were the following crops planted on the 20th of May such as mixture of field pea and oat (82.5-112.2c/ha), fodder pea and Sudan grass (67.4-97.0c/ha), as well as Sudan grass (57.1-110.0c/ha. It is considered that in the steppe zone green manure crops can be used for green manure if the biomass of the crops can exceed 40c/ha. [1] The appropriate timing of the planting period should not be later than the 30th of May.

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