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.
