Plant protection in spring cereal production with reduced tillage. I. Grain yield and weed development

Abstract

In five-long term field trials with reduced or no-tillage the grain yield decreased and the weed infestation increased compared to autumn or spring ploughing. Both stubble treatment with glyphosate and post-emergence weed control in the crop were necessary for sufficient weed control and to keep the yield at the same level as for the ploughed plots in these systems. Weather conditions influenced weed emergence and growth of weeds and cereals during the growing seasons, and thereby the yield depressing effect of the weeds.