Author
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Teasdale, John |
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Submitted to: International Allelopathy Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 8/26/2002 Publication Date: 8/26/2002 Citation: Teasdale, J.R. 2002. Weed management with cover crop mulches [abstract]. Third World Congress on Allelopathy. p. 115. Interpretive Summary: . Technical Abstract: Residue from desiccated cover crops can play a significant role in integrated weed management systems. Weed suppression by cover crop residue is influenced by many factors including the quantity, physical properties, and chemical properties of the residue as well as the sensitivity of the affected weed species. A general relationship has been developed that describes weed suppression as a function of mulch area index and mulch solid volume fraction, an expression that is valid over a wide range of mulch types. Deviations from this function may relate to chemical influences of residue that can be either inhibitory or stimulatory. Stimulation of emergence of Amaranthus species by legume residues appears to involve complex interactions. Weed emergence through seemingly high rates of residue biomass can be attributed to heterogeneous soil coverage as a consequence of random distribution of mulch elements and mulch decomposition. Generally, cover crop residue at natural levels, alone, is not sufficient to provide full-season weed control but requires integration with other management practices to achieve optimum control. Cover crop residue can antagonize the efficacy of some weed management practices such as preemergence herbicides and mechanical cultivation but is highly suited for use with postemergence herbicides. |
