Contribution of Cover Crops and Reduced Tillage Systems for Weed Management in Organic Vegetable Production

Rupinder Singh

doi:10.28933/ajar-2018-11-2705

Abstract

In recent years, organic vegetable production systems have become an increasingly important segment of agriculture; and weed control is a principal concern for organic vegetable growers. In the absence of herbicides, tillage and cultivation are the most commonly used tools by vegetable growers for managing weeds in organic systems; however, intensive tillage may have adverse effects on soil and environmental health. In recent times, to reduce intensive soil tillage and achieve successful weed management, integration of cover crops with conservation tillage (reduced or no-tillage) is emerging as an innovative alternative production practice in organic farming. Research over the globe has shown that cover crops can be used to control weeds in vegetable fields, and also play an important role in improving productivity of subsequent crops by improving soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. In agronomic crops, the benefits of cover crops in conjugation with reduced tillage on weed management are well documented but, such information is scarcely available for vegetables grown in organic production systems. This review focuses on different types of cover crop species and conservation tillage systems for weed management in organic vegetable production.

Highlights

Over the past two decades, organic production and consumption of vegetables have increased drastically around the world
In the recent (2011) U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics, 5.4 million acres are under organic production, with 147,446 acres under organic vegetables
This paper reviews the impact of cover crops and reduced tillage on weed management in organic vegetable production systems

Summary

Introduction

Over the past two decades, organic production and consumption of vegetables have increased drastically around the world. In the previous field and green house studies, it has been shown that the decomposing residue of small grain cover crops such as wheat, oats, rye, and barley have an allelopathic effect, which means they can chemically suppress the germination and growth of various weed (Barnes et al 1983, Bond et al 2001, Brainard et al 2004, Campiglia et al 2010, Golisz et al 2007, Iqbal et al 2003, Liebl et al 1983, Macías et al 2004, Putnam 1979, Putnam et al 1983, Radicetti et al 2013, Samedani 2006), by blocking light (Teasdale and Mohler 2000), and competing for nutrients and water

Legumes vetch releases phytotoxins that inhibit

CONCLUSION

Can winter cover crops influence weed density and

The chemical diversity and distribution of

Influence of winter cover crop residue management

Influence of tillage and mulching systems on soil