Between-row mowing + in-row band-applied herbicide for weed control inGlycine max

Abstract

Most farmers now rely on herbicides and, to a lesser extent, cultivation to control weeds in Glycine max in the Midwest. However, the general public is concerned that widely used herbicides will contaminate surface and groundwater. Alternative ways to control weeds in field crops are needed to reduce or prevent herbicide contamination of surface and groundwater. A new between-row-mowing weed management system that consists of band-applied herbicides over crop rows + two or more between-row mowings was tested in G. max over 6 yr in Missouri. Mowing weeds close to the soil surface two or more times between crop rows killed or suppressed annual grass and broadleaf weeds, chiefly Setaria faberi, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, and Amaranthus spp., if properly timed. Shading by crop canopy closure contributed to weed suppression in this weed management system. G. max yield also could not be distinguished from weed-free check plots and was greater than the weedy check plots. Herbicide use was reduced 50% by banding because only 50% of the field area was sprayed. The between-row-mowing weed management system may have use in environmentally sensitive areas to help reduce soil erosion or water contamination by herbicides.