Bioherbicides and agroecology: challenges and opportunities for agroecological weed management

Soil organic carbon is affected by organic amendments, conservation tillage, and cover cropping in organic farming systems: A meta-analysis

Linking Farmer Weed Management Behavior with Weed Pressure: More than Just Technology

Rice crops are the main food crops in Indonesia. In efforts to increase rice productivity , there are still many obstacles such as pest nuisance problem . In an effort to control pests for rice crop , farmers initially apply conventional farming systems are dependent applications of synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are made from chemicals . From time to time, conventional farming systems has led to environmental problems such as environmental pollution , resistance to pests and natural enemies of pests involved killing . Another strategy to reduce the negative impacts is the application of organic rice farming system as an environmentally friendly alternative . Organic farming systems is done by eliminating the use of chemicals in fertilizers , pesticides and other means of cultivation . The goal is to reduce environmental burden and environmental menciptalan rice ecosystems healthy , natural and productive. In organic rice farming system does not use synthetic chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides application . Fertilizer used is bio-fertilizers (organic) made ​​from manure, compost , and green manure . Pesticide used is a mixture of botanical pesticide made ​​from various parts of the plant that could potentially exist in the surrounding environment . The use of organic fertilizers and pesticides do not cause disturbance to the ecosystem fields because the ingredients used are organic materials that are environmentally friendly. Use other means such as the use of seed cultivation (seeds), water use and weed management done without synthetic chemicals .

New directions for integrated weed management: Modern technologies, tools and knowledge discovery

The intensifying global demand for sustainable agriculture has necessitated innovation in weed management, particularly through intelligent, non-chemical alternatives. Among these, smart mechanical weeding systems integrating artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, and robotics are emerging as transformative tools for precise and eco-friendly weed control. While several recent reviews have examined intelligent weeding or machine vision-based weed management more broadly, a comprehensive and systematically structured synthesis focusing specifically on AI-driven mechanical weeding systems that integrate both vision and robotic actuation remains limited. This study presents a systematic review of 176 technical papers published between 2000 and 2024, with in-depth analysis of 33 key works, aiming to explore the design and performance of intelligent mechanical weed control systems in precision agriculture. The review investigates foundational mechanical weeding methods, recent advances in sensor integration and weed detection algorithms, and the use of robotic platforms for intra- and inter-row weeding. It highlights the critical role of RGB, LiDAR, hyperspectral sensors, and deep learning models in enabling real-time, selective weed removal. Comparative case studies showcase end effectors, control architecture, sensors, and techniques involved across diverse platforms. While significant progress has been made, challenges persist in weed-crop differentiation, model generalization, real-time actuation, and economic feasibility. The review proposes a set of design and operational guidelines addressing sensor fusion, adaptive tooling, platform modularity, and user-centric interfaces. This work provides a targeted, system-level roadmap for researchers, developers, and stakeholders in agricultural robotics, offering insights into current capabilities, gaps, and future directions to advance intelligent mechanical weeding for scalable and sustainable food production.

Preface. 1: Invasive Plants: Ecology and Management H.R. Mashhadi, S.R. Radosevich. 2: Invasive Ecology of Weeds in Agricultural Systems B.D. Booth, S.D. Murphy, C.J. Swanton. 3: Crop-Associated Weeds: The Strategy for Adaptation T. Tominaga, Y. Yamasue. 4: Evolutionary Biology of the Foxtail (Setaria) Species-Group J. Dekker. 5: Aquatic Weeds N.S. Sidorkewicj, M.R. Sabbatini, O.A. Fernandez, J.H. Irigoyen. 6: Agroecological benefits from weeds N. Jordan, C. Vatovec. 7: Rising Carbon Dioxide and Weed Ecology L.H. Ziska. 8: Molecular aspects of host-parasite interactions: Opportunities for engineering resistance to parasitic weeds J.H. Westwood. 9: Altered Herbicide Target Sites: Implications for Herbicide-Resistant Weed Management M.J. Christoffers, V.K. Nandula, L.W. Mengistu, C.G. Messersmith. 10: Herbicide Resistance: Moving Beyond Simple explanations L.J.S. Friesen, C. Hall. 11: Fate and behavior of herbicides in tropical soils R. Oliveira, A.C.S. Costa, C.A. Tormena. 12: Diversified Weed Management Systems K.N. Harker, G. Clayton. 13: Soil-Improving Practices for Ecological Weed Management E.R. Gallandt. 14: Weed Management in Low-External-Input and Organic Farming Systems M. Liebman, L. Bastiaans, D.T. Baumann. 15: Improvement of Allelopathy in Crops for Weed Management - Possibilities, Breeding, Strategies and Tools M. Olofsdotter, S. Andersen. 16: Weed Management under No-Tillage Systems in Tropical Regions I.F. Souza,L. Wagner. 17: Soil Solarization: An eco-friendly Approach for Weed Management N.T. Yaduraju, J.S. Mishra. 18: Rationale, Approach and Adoption of Integrated Weed Management P.C. Bhowmik, Inderjit. 19: Adjuvants: Tools for Enhancing Herbicide Performance J.M. Green, C.L. Foy. 20: Alternate Weed Management Strategies for Landscape and Turf Settings C. Bertin, L.A. Weston. 21: Biological Control of Parasitic Weeds with Plant Pathogens J. Kroschel, D. Muller-Stover. 22: Recent Approaches to Orobanche Management: A Review Y. Goldwasser, Y. Kleifeld. 23: A Review on Weed Control in Sugar Beet: From Tolerance Zero to Period Threshold J. Petersen. 24: Control of Problem Weeds and Net Returns with Herbicide Programs in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L) W.J. Grichar, R.G. Lemon, P.A. Dotray, B.A. Besler. 25: Competitiveness of Rice Cultivars as a Tool for Crop-Based Weed Management K.D. Gibson, A.J. Fischer. Author Index. Subject Index.

Aboriginal Australians are being employed through federally funded programs to undertake natural and cultural management (NCRM) of their ancestral country. These Aboriginal Ranger programs aim to provide economic and cultural opportunities for Indigenous communities to achieve positive environmental and conservation outcomes by drawing on Aboriginal knowledge and cultural connections to country. A major component of Ranger work is the eradication of plants categorised as environmental weeds by land managers of various government and non-government agencies. Despite Aboriginal Ranger programs intending to foreground local Aboriginal perspectives to direct their work, Rangers predominantly manage environmental weeds according to the mainstream ecological paradigm. This thesis argues that the wholesale imposition of mainstream environmental weed discourse on Aboriginal NCRM programs disables Aboriginal Rangers from basing their weed management on culturally-embedded perspectives. Based on my field research in the western and central Kimberley region of Western Australia, I show that Rangers and elders belonging to Bardi-Jawi, Bunuba, Ngurrara, Nyikina Mangala, Nyulnyul and Wilinggin country have nuanced, yet clear, understandings of ‘healthy country’ and the landscape change caused by plants. Through participant observation and field interviews, Rangers and elders from these groups challenged the current species-based approaches to weed classification and control and demonstrated that their views on weeds do not align with dominant environmental weed discourse and management. Instead, they highlighted the contextual and relational nature of weeds by linking them and their effects to the Aboriginal concept of ‘healthy country’. Significantly, these views are similar to the arguments made by ecologists and social scientists that are critical of mainstream invasion ecology and management of environmental weeds. Common to both groups are that weed problems are culturally and contextually specific and that weed management needs to maintain cultural and environmental values within changing landscapes by working alongside these changes, rather than constantly working against them. These points of overlap provide vindication for Aboriginal Rangers to control weeds through a greater emphasis on site-based, rather than species-based management. Site-based management allows Rangers to connect their weed work to local and culturally specific visions for healthy country; integrate weed management into other aspects of Ranger work and in doing so frame weed management as promoting healthy country rather than destroying plants; and meet the practical constraints of Ranger work by focusing on a manageable scale.

2Organic food production faces rapidly growing consumer demand in the U.S. and other industrialized countries, along with a worldwide regulatory framework and rapidly developing support infrastructure, making it a premier technology in the efforts of many public and private organizations that advocate more sustainable farming practices. The use of organic farming systems for crop production in the U.S. has grown rapidly during the last decade, but is still under 0.5 percent of total U.S. farmland—substantially less than in many countries in Europe and elsewhere. Within the U.S., conversion to organic farming systems has been more extensive in particular commodity sectors and regions. In California, for example, about two percent of the state’s crop acreage is managed under organic farming systems, and over 15 percent of the dairies in some New England states are organic. The objectives of this paper are to examine commodity-sector adoption rates and trends for organic farming systems in the U.S., and determine the impact of evolving markets and public support on adoption. First we will describe the current adoption and trends for the US and the world for organic production. Next we will examine current research on consumer attitudes towards organic products. We will then look at relevant issues raised from the results of research trials comparing the risks and input requirements of organic versus conventional agriculture. In most cases organic producers rely on price premiums to offset the increased risks and production costs. We will discuss market policies that directly and indirectly affect the profitability of organic production. We will then look at current farm policies in the context of adoption of organic production. Finally, we will discuss organic production in the context of the next farm bill.

Core Ideas Limited weed control tools is a challenge for pulse production in the northern Great Plains. Soil‐applied residual herbicides are an important component of integrated weed management programs. Most herbicide programs adequately controlled kochia and Russian‐thistle in the pulse crops. Season‐long control of kochia and Russian thistle in dry pea, lentil, and chickpea. Weed management is a challenge for pulse producers in the northern Great Plains (NGP). Multi‐location trials were conducted in Montana to evaluate crop safety and weed control in spring‐planted pulse crops from soil‐residual herbicides applied the previous fall in postharvest wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stubble. Dry pea (Pisum sativum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris L.), and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were planted the subsequent spring in herbicide‐treated plots. Metribuzin (210 or 420 g ha−1), flumioxazin (107 or 214 g ha−1), pyroxasulfone (119 or 238 g ha−1) + carfentrazone (8 or 16 g ha−1), pendimethalin (532 or 1064 g ha−1) + dimethenamid‐P (945 or 1890 g ha−1), sulfentrazone (164 or 328 g ha−1) + carfentrazone (18 or 36 g ha−1), sulfentrazone (101 or 202 g ha−1) + metribuzin (151 or 302 g ha−1) applied the previous fall had no significant visual injury (≤8% early‐season) or yield reductions in dry pea and chickpea. However, sulfentrazone‐based programs caused unacceptable crop injury (up to 75% early‐season) and yield reductions in lentil. Unacceptable early season injury and yield reductions were observed in pulse crops with thiencarbazone + isoxaflutole‐based programs. Metribuzin or pyroxasulfone + carfentrazone at twice the recommended fall‐use rate(s) and flumioxazin, sulfentrazone + carfentrazone, or sulfentrazone + metribuzin even at the recommended fall‐use rate(s) provided 75 to 99% end‐season control of kochia [Kochia scoparia (L.) Shrad.] and Russian‐thistle (Salsola tragus L.). These herbicide programs will provide new tools for weed control in pulse crops.

The evolution and widespread occurrence of herbicide‐resistant weeds pose a major challenge for farmers and crop consultants across North America, warranting integrated management strategies. The adoption of cover crops offer weed suppression and soil health benefits but adds management complexity. A survey, targeting farmers and crop consultants, was conducted during the spring of 2023 to evaluate current cover crop management practices and perceptions in Wisconsin cropping systems. The survey included 26 questions across five sections: respondent profile, cover crop adoption and experience, cover crop management ahead of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], cover crop management ahead of corn (Zea mays L.), and general benefits and challenges of cover crop adoption. Farmers and crop consultants represented most respondents, influencing a total of 29,500 and 557,000 ha, respectively. Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus [Moq.] J.D. Sauer) and giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) were identified as the most troublesome weeds. Over 90% of respondents use herbicides to terminate their cover crops, and 68% of respondents agree that cover crops improved overall weed control in their farms/clients’ farms to some extent [cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) as main cover crop species]. Additionally, results demonstrate a strong consensus (85%) on cover crops positively influencing water retention, with 98% agreement on their efficacy in reducing soil erosion. Results from this survey can help guide farmers, agronomists, researchers, and policymakers with cover crop adoption, management, policies, incentives, and future research and education needs in Wisconsin and beyond to support the development of more sustainable and efficient weed and crop management strategies.

Weed management plays a crucial role of crop production, influencing both soil health and crop yield. The effectiveness of various weed management strategies, particularly in irrigated agricultural systems, has significant implications for sustainability in farming practices. This research focuses on examining the impact of different weed control methods on soil health and the productivity of field pea (Pisum sativum) under irrigated conditions. The research investigates the effects of manual, chemical, and integrated weed management approaches on field pea growth, soil fertility, and pest dynamics. The findings suggest that while chemical weed control provides immediate results in terms of weed suppression, integrated and manual methods promote long-term soil health by preserving microbial diversity and soil organic matter. Additionally, the research highlights the influence of these weed management strategies on field pea yield, showing that integrated approaches, which combine organic and chemical practices, yield the highest productivity without compromising soil quality. The research recommends adopting a balanced weed management approach to maintain both crop productivity and environmental sustainability in irrigated systems. This paper contributes to the broader understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for integrated weed management strategies that are ecologically viable and economically feasible. Future research should focus on optimizing these strategies to improve soil health and agricultural outputs across different agro-ecosystems.

Aims: Green manuring is a sustainable agricultural practice that enhances soil fertility and aids in weed management, particularly in organic farming systems. The study aimed to assess the effect of green manure incorporation on soil physicochemical properties and weed density. The experimental soil, classified as sandy clay loam, showed significant improvement in fertility parameters after the incorporation of dhaincha biomass. Methodology: This study was conducted at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, to evaluate the impact of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) green manuring on soil physicochemical properties and weed dynamics. The experimental soil, classified as sandy clay loam (Typic Udic Hapludalf), was assessed before and after the incorporation of green manure. Results: The results revealed that green manuring significantly improved key soil parameters. The soil pH decreased from 7.8 to 7.5, indicating a favourable shift toward neutral conditions, while electrical conductivity increased from 0.33 to 0.47 dS/m, suggesting enhanced nutrient availability. Organic carbon content rose slightly from 1.26% to 1.29%, highlighting improved microbial activity and organic matter status. Available nitrogen increased from 225.79 to 235.00 kg/ha, phosphorus from 31.36 to 33.60 kg/ha, and potassium from 251.00 to 256.12 kg/ha due to the nutrient-rich biomass and nitrogen-fixing ability of dhaincha. Additionally, green manuring exerted a suppressive effect on weed populations, especially broadleaf species, due to allelopathic interactions and shading. Weed density for broadleaf weeds decreased markedly from 56 to 8 plants/m² after dhaincha incorporation. Conclusion: The findings support the value of green manuring in improving soil fertility, enhancing nutrient cycling, and managing weed infestations sustainably. Incorporating dhaincha as a green manure crop can thus serve as an effective strategy for maintaining soil health and supporting organic crop production.

Deciphering soil resistance and virulence gene risks in conventional and organic farming systems

유기농 재배에서 이용되고 있는 잡초방제 기술 및 연구 동향을 검토하고 앞으로 방향을 제시하기 위하여 화학적 방제를 배제하고 기계적 방제, 경종적 방제, 생물적 방제를 포함한 종합방제 기술에 대한 문헌을 정리하고 분석하여 유기농업에서의 새로운 잡초 관리방안을 전망하고자 하였다. 물리적 방법은 기계적 방법, 열, 광선, 전기충격, 압축공기, 로봇잡초방제기술, 그리고 경종적 방법은 멀칭, 경운, 윤작, 피복식물, 경합을 이용한 방법이 포함된다. 생물적 방제는 미생물제초제, 대량증식 생물제제, 광역 생물제제, 상호대립억제물질 등이 개발되거나 또는 이용되고 있다. 유기농재배에서 성공적인 잡초방제를 위하여 물리적 방법과 경종적 방법은 제초제 사용이 제한된 조건에서 가장 중요한 잡초방제 수단이므로 기계적, 경종적 방법을 근간으로 하고 생물적 방법이 조화롭게 보완되는 종합잡초관리방법이 요구된다. 그리고 유기농 재배에서 수익을 창출하고 적합한 장기적 잡초관리 방안을 도출하기 위하여 잡초관리 결정에 도움이 되는 모델의 개발도 필요하다. Weeds are one of the major constraints to crop production in organic farming systems. This paper reviews major results and techniques achieved with physical, cultural, and biological weed control and their perspectives in organic agriculture. Physical methods includes mechanical, thermal, lighting, electrocution, pneumatic, autonomous robot weeding control techniques. Cultural weed control methods includes mulching, tillage, crop rotation, cover crops and crop competition. Physical and cultural weed control techniques are especially important in organic farming crops where other weed control options are limited or not available without use of herbicides. Biological weed control includes mycoherbicides, innundative biological control, broad-spectrum biological control and allelopathy. Successful weed management in organic farming requires well managed integrated systems of mechanical control using newly developed machines, cultural control and biological control methods. Weed management decision-aid models may also needed to develop to provide greater assurance of achieving profitability and appropriate long-term weed management in organic farming in the future.

Chapter 8 - Legumes for eco-friendly weed management in agroecosystem