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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #154536
Title: EVALUATION OF WEED CONTROL SYSTEMS IN ORGANIC SOYBEAN PRODUCTION

Author
item KLUCHINSKI, D - RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
item Singer, Jeremy

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/6/2003
Publication Date: 11/6/2003
Citation: KLUCHINSKI, D., SINGER, J.W. EVALUATION OF WEED CONTROL SYSTEMS IN ORGANIC SOYBEAN PRODUCTION. ASA-CSSA-SSSA PROCEEDINGS. 2003. CD-ROM. MADISON, WI.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A two-year study (2001 and 2002) evaluated narrow (20 cm) and wide (76 cm) row widths, tillage equipment (rotary hoe and Buffalo cultivator), tillage frequency and type (1 to 3 cultivations with one or both tools), tillage timing (early, late, or sequential), and rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop residue on weed control in soybean using organic production methods. Annual weed control was higher in wide rows (rated fair to excellent) than narrow rows (rated poor to fair). Yields averaged 2956 kg ha-1 in wide rows both years versus 2822 and 2150 kg ha-1, respectively, in narrow rows. The lowest yields occurred in narrow row soybean with two passes of a rotary hoe because of soybean mortality and moist soil conditions, which reduced the implement's effectiveness and subsequent weed control. Highest yields occurred in wide row soybean in 2001 with a single pass of a cultivator (3319 kg ha-1) and in 2002 with one pass of a rotary hoe and two passes of a cultivator (3622 kg ha-1). Rye residue provided only 4% control of broadleaf weeds and 0% control of grass weeds in 2001 but 88% control of broadleaf and 82% of grass weeds in 2002. The residue reduced soybean population both years but yields (3084 and 2614 kg ha-1) were comparable to other tillage-based treatments.