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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #66823
Title: COVER CROPS, SMOTHER PLANTS, AND WEED MANAGEMENT

Author
item Teasdale, John

Submitted to: Advances in Soil Science
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: There is a need to develop alternatives to herbicides for controlling weeds in sustainable agricultural systems. Cover crops which are grown for long-term soil protection and fertility enhancement also have potential for controlling weeds. Most cover crops are dense, low-growing plants that can compete directly with weeds or can produce residue which interferes with weed establishment. This paper reviews current knowledge of weed control by cover crops and identifies areas of future research. The major limitations to controlling weeds with cover crops is lack of consistent, full-season weed control and interference with cash crop growth by an aggressive cover crop. Research is needed to develop improved cultivars of cover crops and new systems to manage cover crops. Development of improved cover crop cultivars and management systems would provide scientists and farmers with viable alternatives to herbicides and, ultimately, could decrease potential ground and surface water contamination.

Technical Abstract: The contribution of cover crops to weed management is not clearly defined. This paper reviews current knowledge of weed control by cover crops and smother plants and identifies areas requiring further research. Current technology has the following limitations: 1) residue from winter annual cover crops can provide early-season weed suppression but not full-season weed control and 2) weed suppression by smother crops is coupled to crop suppression unless smother crops are subjected to significant regulation practices. Therefore, most successful cropping systems including cover crops require herbicide inputs. The major contribution of cover crops to agricultural systems, presently, is long-term soil protection and fertility enhancement, particularly on erodible land. Future research should focus on development of improved cover crop species/cultivars and integrated management systems that maximize the capacity of cover crops to suppress weeds and enhance crop production with minimal or no herbicide inputs.