Initial Weed Densities Affect No-Tillage Weed Management with a Rye (Secale cereale) Cover Crop

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of different initial weed densities on weed control effectiveness in no-tillage corn at two locations in North Carolina during 1994 and 1995. Different weed densities were established over a 4-year period (1989–1992) by using various weed management strategies. Resultant density levels were estimated and used to establish high and low weed density plots. Treatments applied were PRE, POST, at-planting, and an untreated control. Weed density estimates were made 37 and 57 DAP. Common lambsquarters at low densities (20 to 40 weeds/m2) was controlled with the cover crop alone, but common lambsquarters at high densities (150 to 170 weeds/m2) and redroot pigweed at any density were not controlled. POST herbicides reduced weed densities as well as the PRE herbicides, regardless of initial weed densities.