Integrated weed management strategies in a long-term crop rotation system

Abstract

Background: Diversified crop systems provide several advantages for crop production and the agricultural ecosystem. In contrast, growing the same crop for consecutive years increases weeds, insects, and diseases issues, adding further cost to crop production owing to their management. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effects of six different winter cover crops and compare the impacts of a diversified rotation system in contrast to the succession system, combined with three different post-emergence herbicide management looking up to soybean yield, aboveground mass production, and weed density impact. Methods: The experiment was performed over 2014 to 2018, using a randomized block design with four replications. Cover crop treatments were 1) fallow 2) wheat 3) rye 4) rye + turnip 5) rye + vetch 6) black oats. At the time of cover crop termination, weed density was counted and aboveground mass was measured. The crop rotation system was an alternated soybean and corn using three different post-emergence herbicide treatments, and the succession system was soybean each year. When a significant effect was observed after test F, the Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05) was applied to compare treatment effects. Results: Rye + vetch as a cover crop, rotation system, and herbicide usage showed a higher impact on weed density. Rye + turnip has produced more aboveground biomass. Soybean yield was higher after wheat. Conclusions: Cover crops implementation, crop rotation system, and herbicide usage have increased biomass production and crop yield, and reduced weed density showing integrated weed management as a key strategy for production systems.