Tillage and Cover Crop Effects on Weed Seed Persistence: Do Light Exposure and Fungal Pathogens Play a Role?

Weed Science ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markah D. Frost ◽  
Erin R. Haramoto ◽  
Karen A. Renner ◽  
Daniel C. Brainard
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crop ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Seed Persistence ◽  
Cover Cropping ◽  
Long Term Experiment ◽  
Mesh Bags ◽  
Strip Tillage

AbstractIn a series of seed burial studies, we tested the hypothesis that reduced tillage and cereal rye (Secale cerealeL.) cover cropping influence seed persistence and that these effects are mediated by differences in fungal pathogens and exposure to light. Seeds of Powell amaranth (Amaranthus powelliiS. Watson) and large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis(L). Scop.] were buried in mesh bags in a long-term experiment with two levels of tillage (full-width tillage [FWT] or strip tillage [ST]) and two levels of cover cropping (none or cereal rye). In Experiment 1, seeds were exhumed each spring for 3 yr and tested for viability. In Experiment 2, untreated and fungicide-treated seeds were buried, exhumed at shorter intervals, and tested for viability. In addition, a subset of seeds in FWT treatments were exhumed and stored in either light or darkness during tillage operations and evaluated for persistence at 8.5 mo after burial (MAB). In Experiment 1, the persistence ofD. sanguinalisseeds declined by 80% at 7 MAB regardless of cover crop or tillage treatment. The persistence ofA. powelliiseeds at 19 MAB declined by 95% in FWT compared with only 50% in ST. In Experiment 2, seed persistence of both species was greater in ST compared with FWT treatments, for seeds that had been exposed to light, but not for those that were maintained in darkness. Rye cover cropping resulted in a 2-fold increase in overwinter persistence of seeds ofD. sanguinalisregardless of fungicide treatment. These results demonstrate that increased persistence under ST was primarily due to reductions in light-induced fatal germination and that increased overwinter persistence ofD. sanguinalisin rye cover crop treatments could not be explained by differences in decay due to fungal pathogens controlled by the seed treatment.

Influence of Cover Crops on Weed Management in Strip Tillage Peanut

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 568-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bridget R. Lassiter ◽  
David L. Jordan ◽  
Gail G. Wilkerson ◽  
Barbara B. Shew ◽  
Rick L. Brandenburg
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Yellow Nutsedge ◽  
Strip Tillage ◽  
Herbicide Programs

Experiments were conducted in North Carolina during 2005, 2006, and 2007 to determine peanut and weed response when peanut was planted in strip tillage after desiccation of cereal rye, Italian ryegrass, oats, triticale, wheat, and native vegetation by glyphosate and paraquat before planting with three in-season herbicide programs. Control of common ragweed and yellow nutsedge did not differ among cover crop treatments when compared within a specific herbicide program. Applying dimethenamid orS-metolachlor plus diclosulam PRE followed by imazapic POST was more effective than a chloroacetamide herbicide PRE followed by acifluorfen, bentazon, and paraquat POST. Incidence of spotted wilt in peanut (caused by aTospovirus) did not differ when comparing cover crop treatments, regardless of herbicide program. Peanut yield increased in all 3 yr when herbicides were applied POST, compared with clethodim only. Peanut yield was not affected by cover crop treatment. Response to cover crop treatments was comparable, suggesting that growers can select cereal rye, Italian ryegrass, oats, or triticale as an alternative to wheat as a cover crop in peanut systems without experiencing differences associated with in-season weed management.

Spring-seeded cereal rye suppresses weeds in watermelon

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-47
Author(s):  
Kurt M. Vollmer ◽  
Thierry E. Besançon ◽  
Baylee L. Carr ◽  
Mark J. VanGessel ◽  
Barbara A. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Common Lambsquarters ◽  
Cover Cropping ◽  
Significant Yield ◽  
Marketable Fruit

AbstractWeeds can cause significant yield loss in watermelon production systems. Commercially acceptable weed control is difficult to achieve, even with heavy reliance on herbicides. A study was conducted to evaluate a spring-seeded cereal rye cover crop with different herbicide application timings for weed management between row middles in watermelon production systems. Common lambsquarters and pigweed species (namely, Palmer amaranth and smooth pigweed) densities and biomasses were often lower with cereal rye compared with no cereal rye, regardless of herbicide treatment. The presence of cereal rye did not negatively influence the number of marketable watermelon fruit, but average marketable fruit weight in cereal rye versus no cereal rye treatments varied by location. These results demonstrate that a spring-seeded cereal rye cover crop can help reduce weed density and weed biomass, and potentially enhance overall weed control. Cereal rye alone did not provide full-season weed control, so additional research is needed to determine the best methods to integrate spring cover cropping with other weed management tactics in watermelon for effective, full-season control.

Cover Crop Impact on Weed Dynamics in an Organic Dry Bean System

Weed Science ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin C. Hill ◽  
Karen A. Renner ◽  
Christy L. Sprague ◽  
Adam S. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Soil N ◽  
Dry Beans ◽  
Dry Bean ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Seed Persistence ◽  
Giant Foxtail ◽  
Weed Dynamics

Weed suppression is one possible benefit of including cover crops in crop rotations. The late spring planting date of dry beans allows for more growth of cover crops in the spring. We assessed the influence of cover crops on weed dynamics in organic dry beans and weed seed persistence. Medium red clover, oilseed radish, and cereal rye were planted the year before dry beans; a no-cover-crop control was also included. After cover-crop incorporation, common lambsquarters, giant foxtail, and velvetleaf seeds were buried in the red clover, cereal rye, and no-cover control treatments and then retrieved 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 mo after cover-crop incorporation. Dry beans were planted in June and weed emergence and biomass measured. Eleven or more site-years of data were collected for each cover-crop treatment between 2011 and 2013, allowing for structural equation modeling (SEM), in addition to traditional analyses. Cereal rye residue increased giant foxtail and velvetleaf seed persistence by up to 12%; red clover decreased common lambsquarters seed persistence by 22% in 1 of 2 yr relative to the no-cover-crop control. Oilseed radish and incorporated cereal rye rarely reduced weed densities. When red clover biomass exceeded 5 Mg ha−1, soil inorganic N was often higher (5 of 6 site-years), as were weed density and biomass (5 and 4 of 12 main site sample times, respectively). Using SEM, we identified one causal relationship between cover-crop N content and weed biomass at the first flower stage (R1), as mediated through soil N at the time of dry bean planting and at the stage with two fully expanded trifoliates. Increasing cover-crop C : N ratios directly reduced weed biomass at R1, not mediated through changes in soil N. Cover crops that make a significant contribution to soil N may also stimulate weed emergence and growth.

scholarly journals Evaluating Strip Tillage and Rowcover Use in Organic and Conventional Muskmelon Production

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Tillman ◽  
Ajay Nair ◽  
Mark Gleason ◽  
Jean Batzer
Keyword(s):  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Strip Tillage

Increasing interest in using cover crops and reduced tillage to build soil health has created a demand for strategies to implement rolled cover crop systems. In northern areas of the United States, cool soil temperature in rolled cover crop systems can create a challenge when growing warm season vegetable crops. The use of rowcovers could mitigate the issue and facilitate adoption of rolled cover crop systems for both conventional and organic growers. This study investigated muskmelon (Cucumis melo) in two production systems, strip tillage (ST) into rolled cereal rye (Secale cereale) or conventional tillage with black plastic mulch (plasticulture), with or without the use of spunbonded polypropylene rowcovers. The trial was conducted in two fields, one in organic management and the other in conventional management. In general, ST led to cooler, moister soils than plasticulture, but rowcovers rarely affected soil temperature. Rowcovers increased mean and maximum daily air temperature by up to 4.2 and 11.7 °C, respectively, and decreased average daily light intensity by 33% to 37%. Rowcovers sometimes increased fruit size, but rarely affected marketable yield. Overall, ST reduced marketable yield compared with plasticulture by 6732 to 9900 lb/acre; however, ST with rowcovers often produced similar vegetative growth compared with plasticulture without rowcovers. Given the slow vining growth habit of muskmelon and the late planting inherent in a rolled cereal rye system, achieving high muskmelon yields, especially early yields, may be difficult.

Precision planting impacts on winter cereal rye growth, nutrient uptake, spring soil temperature and adoption cost

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Amir Sadeghpour ◽  
Oladapo Adeyemi ◽  
Dane Hunter ◽  
Yuan Luo ◽  
Shalamar Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Mississippi River ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
N Immobilization ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Similar Amount ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Winter Cereal ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Precision Planting

Abstract Growing winter cereal rye (Secale cereale) (WCR) has been identified as an effective in-field practice to reduce nitrate-N and phosphorus (P) losses to Upper Mississippi River Basin, USA. In the Midwestern USA, growers are reluctant to plant WCR especially prior to corn (Zea mays L.) due to N immobilization and establishment issues. Precision planting of WCR or ‘skipping the corn row’ (STCR) can minimize some issues associated with WCR ahead of corn while reducing cover crop seed costs. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ‘STCR’ vs normal planting of WCR at full seeding rate (NP) on WCR biomass, nutrient uptake and composition in three site-yrs (ARC2019, ARC2020, BRC2020). Our results indicated no differences in cover crop dry matter biomass production between the STCR (2.40 Mg ha−1) and NP (2.41 Mg ha−1) supported by similar normalized difference vegetative index and plant height for both treatments. Phosphorus, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) accumulation in aboveground biomass was only influenced by site-yr and both STCR and NP removed similar amount of P, K, Ca and Mg indicating STCR could be as effective as NP in accumulating nutrients. Aboveground carbon (C) content (1086.26 kg h−1 average over the two treatments) was similar between the two treatments and only influenced by site-yr differences. Lignin, lignin:N and C:N ratios were higher in STCR than NP in one out of three site-yrs (ARC2019) indicating greater chance of N immobilization when WCR was planted later than usual. Implementing STCR saved $8.4 ha−1 for growers and could incentivize growers to adopt this practice. Future research should evaluate corn response to STCR compared with NP and assess if soil quality declines by STCR practice over time.

Biomass and Nitrogen Content of Hairy Vetch-Cereal Rye Cover Crop Mixtures as Influenced by Species Proportions

2015 ◽  
Vol 107 (6) ◽  
pp. 2069-2082 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna J. Poffenbarger ◽  
Steven B. Mirsky ◽  
Raymond R. Weil ◽  
Jude E. Maul ◽  
Matthew Kramer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Content ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Hairy Vetch ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Species Proportions

Cover Crops Suppression of Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in Cotton

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matheus G. Palhano ◽  
Jason K. Norsworthy ◽  
Tom Barber
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Palmer Amaranth ◽  
Cotton Yield ◽  
Cotton Production ◽  
Seed Cotton ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Seed Cotton Yield ◽  
Weed Emergence

AbstractWith the recent confirmation of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-resistant Palmer amaranth in the US South, concern is increasing about the sustainability of weed management in cotton production systems. Cover crops can help to alleviate this problem, as they can suppress weed emergence via allelochemicals and/or a physical residue barrier. Field experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015 at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center to evaluate various cover crops for suppressing weed emergence and protecting cotton yield. In both years, cereal rye and wheat had the highest biomass production, whereas the amount of biomass present in spring did not differ among the remaining cover crops. All cover crops initially diminished Palmer amaranth emergence. However, cereal rye provided the greatest suppression, with 83% less emergence than in no cover crop plots. Physical suppression of Palmer amaranth and other weeds with cereal residues is probably the greatest contributor to reducing weed emergence. Seed cotton yield in the legume and rapeseed cover crop plots were similar when compared with the no cover crop treatment. The seed cotton yield collected from cereal cover crop plots was lower than from other treatments due to decreased cotton stand.

scholarly journals Remediation of degraded arable steppe soils in Moldova using vetch as green manure

Solid Earth ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 609-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Wiesmeier ◽  
M. Lungu ◽  
R. Hübner ◽  
V. Cerbari
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crop ◽  
Belowground Biomass ◽  
Relative Increase ◽  
Hairy Vetch ◽  
Arable Soils ◽  
Carbon And Nitrogen ◽  
Cover Cropping ◽  
Arable Farming ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Continental Climate

Abstract. In the Republic of Moldova, non-sustainable arable farming led to severe degradation and erosion of fertile steppe soils (Chernozems). As a result, the Chernozems lost about 40% of their initial amounts of soil organic carbon (SOC). The aim of this study was to remediate degraded arable soils and promote carbon sequestration by implementation of cover cropping and green manuring in Moldova. Thereby, the suitability of the legume hairy vetch (Vicia sativa) as cover crop under the dry continental climate of Moldova was examined. At two experimental sites, the effect of cover cropping on chemical and physical soil properties as well as on yields of subsequent main crops was determined. The results showed a significant increase of SOC after incorporation of hairy vetch mainly due to increases of aggregate-occluded and mineral-associated OC. This was related to a high above- and belowground biomass production of hairy vetch associated with a high input of carbon and nitrogen into arable soils. A calculation of SOC stocks based on equivalent soil masses revealed a sequestration of around 3 t C ha−1yr−1 as a result of hairy vetch cover cropping. The buildup of SOC was associated with an improvement of the soil structure as indicated by a distinct decrease of bulk density and a relative increase of macroaggregates at the expense of microaggregates and clods. As a result, yields of subsequent main crops increased by around 20%. Our results indicated that hairy vetch is a promising cover crop to remediate degraded steppe soils, control soil erosion and sequester substantial amounts of atmospheric C in arable soils of Moldova.

Evaluation of Chemical Termination Options for Cover Crops

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matheus G. Palhano ◽  
Jason K. Norsworthy ◽  
Tom Barber
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Crop Acreage ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Crimson Clover ◽  
Legume Cover Crops ◽  
And Control

AbstractCover crop acreage has substantially increased over the last few years due to the intent of growers to capitalize on federal conservation payments and incorporate sustainable practices into agricultural systems. Despite all the known benefits, widespread adoption of cover crops still remains limited due to potential cost and management requirements. Cover crop termination is crucial, because a poorly controlled cover crop can become a weed and lessen the yield potential of the current cash crop. A field study was conducted in fall 2015 and 2016 at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville to evaluate preplant herbicide options for terminating cover crops. Glyphosate-containing treatments controlled 97% to 100% of cereal rye and wheat, but glyphosate alone controlled less than 57% of legume cover crops. The most effective way to control hairy vetch, Austrian winterpea, and crimson clover with glyphosate resulted from mixtures of glyphosate with glufosinate, 2,4-D, and dicamba. Higher rates of auxin herbicides improved control in these mixtures. Glufosinate alone or in mixture controlled legume cover crops 81% or more. Paraquat plus metribuzin was effective in terminating both cereal and legume cover crops, with control of cereal cover crops ranging from 87% to 97% and control of legumes ranging from 90% to 96%. None of these herbicides or mixtures adequately controlled rapeseed.

scholarly journals Mustard Cover Crop Growth and Weed Suppression in Organic, Strawberry Furrows in California

HortScience ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 432-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric B. Brennan ◽  
Richard F. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Sinapis Alba ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Shoot Biomass ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Crop Cover ◽  
Cover Cropping ◽  
Growing Seasons

Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) production in California uses plastic mulch–covered beds that provide many benefits such as moisture conservation and weed control. Unfortunately, the mulch can also cause environmental problems by increasing runoff and soil erosion and reducing groundwater recharge. Planting cover crops in bare furrows between the plastic cover beds can help minimize these problems. Furrow cover cropping was evaluated during two growing seasons in organic strawberries in Salinas, CA, using a mustard (Sinapis alba L.) cover crop planted at two seeding rates (1× and 3×). Mustard was planted in November or December after strawberry transplanting and it resulted in average densities per meter of furrow of 54 and 162 mustard plants for the 1× and 3× rates, respectively. The mustard was mowed in February before it shaded the strawberry plants. Increasing the seeding rate increased mustard shoot biomass and height, and reduced the concentration of P in the mustard shoots. Compared with furrows with no cover crop, cover-cropped furrows reduced weed biomass by 29% and 40% in the 1× and 3× seeding rates, respectively, although weeds still accounted for at least 28% of the furrow biomass in the cover-cropped furrows. These results show that growing mustard cover crops in furrows without irrigating the furrows worked well even during years with relatively minimal precipitation. We conclude that 1) mustard densities of ≈150 plants/m furrow will likely provide the most benefits due to greater biomass production, N scavenging, and weed suppression; 2) mowing was an effective way to kill the mustard; and 3) high seeding rates of mustard alone are insufficient to provide adequate weed suppression in strawberry furrows.

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