Weed management in reduced-input no-till flax production

Abstract

The goal of the project was to enhance the period of weed growth prior to seeding in order to reduce weed emergence and weed competition after the crop has been planted. Weed growth was stimulated using either light tillage or by applying nitrogen fertilizer early in the spring. Light disturbance significantly increased pre-seed weed emergence while early applied nitrogen did not appear to have an effect. Post seeding weed emergence levels and weed biomass were similar among the light tillage and early nitrogen treatments. Therefore the goal of decreasing weed competition after seeding was not attained. Future research should focus on long-term strategies to reduce weed populations in field rather than seasonal strategies.