Control of Weeds in Non‐Cultivated, Narrow‐Row Sorghum1

Abstract

AbstractRecent increased awareness of our finite energy supply and concern about our diminishing farm labor supply has stimulated the reexamination of production methods of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in the Great Plains. Objectives of this research were to increase sorghum yields with the use of narrow‐row culture and improve weed control while reducing labor, energy requirements, and production costs. Improved weed control methods in sorghum developed during the past decade have facilitated reduced tillage methods of producing sorghum. Experimental results indicate the feasibility of producing grain sorghum in narrow rows without cultivation under non‐irrigated conditions on a Sharpsburg silty clay loam (Typic Argiudoll) at Lincoln, Neb. Selective control of annual broadleaf weeds was more readily accomplished than the control of grass weeds. Early weed control was most important in eliminating sorghum losses from weeds. Sorghum kept weed‐free the first 4 weeks after planting suffered no yield loss from subsequent weed growth. Herbicide treatments applied preplant incorporated, preemergence, or early postemergence selectively controlled annual weeds and resulted in sorghum yields equivalent to those on handweeded plots. The sorghum producer has the possibility of achieving higher sorghum yields when the crop is grown in narrow rows while reducing tillage, labor, and energy requirements in his production system.