In two experiments conducted in the field between 1983 and 1985, timothy was established with or without barley, red clover, grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds. The plots were sampled during establishment and production years. At each sampling, the botanical composition was evaluated to characterize the weed populations. Throughout establishment, the weed populations were dominated by annual broadleaf and grassy weeds which, when growing separately, produced comparable amounts of biomass. However, when growing together, the grassy weeds were clearly dominated by the broadleaf weeds. During the subsequent production years, the weedy populations were dominated by perennial broadleaf weeds. Neither the structure of the weed populations, nor the short-term dynamics of the grassy weed populations were affected by the management system used. However, the short-term dynamics of the broadleaf weed populations were influenced by barley, red clover and the weed control treatments applied during the year of establishment. The use of barley accelerated the growth of the broadleaf weed populations while red clover delayed it. Subsequent broadleaf weed populations were noticeably larger in the plots where they were allowed to grow during the establishment year.Key words: Broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds, Phleum pratense, competition, short-term dynamics
Impact of mowing and weed control on broadleaf weed population dynamics in turf
