DK-RIM: Assisting Integrated Management of Lolium multiflorum, Italian Ryegrass

Mette Sønderskov,Myrtille Lacoste,Gayle J Somerville,Niels Holst,Jens Erik Jensen

doi:10.3390/agronomy10060856

Mette Sønderskov, Myrtille Lacoste + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060856

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Abstract

Lolium multiflorum (annual Italian ryegrass) and other grass weeds are an increasing problem in cereal cropping systems in Denmark. Grass weeds are highly competitive and an increasing number of species develop resistance against the most commonly used herbicide modes of action. A diverse management strategy provides a better overall control of grass weeds and decreases the reliance on herbicides. The bio-economic decision support system, DK-RIM (Denmark-Ryegrass Integrated Management), was developed to assist integrated management of L. multiflorum in Danish cropping systems, based on the Australian RIM model. DK-RIM provides long-term estimations (10-year period) and visual outputs of L. multiflorum population development, depending on management strategies. The dynamics of L. multiflorum plants within the season and of the soil seed bank across seasons are simulated. The user can combine cultural weed control practices with chemical control options. Cultural practices include crop rotation changes, seeding density, sowing time, soil tillage system, and cover crops. Scenarios with increasing crop rotation diversity or different tillage strategies were evaluated. DK-RIM aims at being an actual support system, aiding the farmer’s decisions and encouraging discussions among stakeholders on alternative management strategies.

Highlights

Large areas of cereals are grown due to the need for cereal grain for fodder, flour and malting barley
Integrated weed management (IWM), as part of integrated pest management (IPM), includes strategies that decrease the reliance on herbicides and optimally integrate measures for prevention of weed establishment, a reduction of crop interference and weed seed return [5]
Different scenarios with alternate crop rotations; different sowing time and soil tillage options resulted in marked changes in number of mature L. multiflorum plants at the end of growing seasons resulted in marked changes in number of mature L. multiflorum plants at the end of growing seasons and seeds in soil at the start of the following season

Summary

Introduction

Large areas of cereals are grown due to the need for cereal grain for fodder, flour and malting barley. Winter wheat is the most abundant crop in most European regions, with 44% of the harvested cereal crops being common wheat and spelt in 2018 [1]. In Denmark, the area with autumn-sown cereals was around 60% in 2019, with winter wheat constituting 41% of the total [2]. The EU Sustainable Use Directive aims at reducing the risks of pesticide use to human health and the environment, by promoting integrated pest management (IPM), including alternative techniques and approaches Integrated weed management (IWM), as part of IPM, includes strategies that decrease the reliance on herbicides and optimally integrate measures for prevention of weed establishment, a reduction of crop interference and weed seed return [5]

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