Abstract
Perennial weeds are an increasing challenge in organic farming in the Nordic countries. The aim of this study was to compare different tillage methods in the control of Elymus repens by using two intensified bare fallow strategies. Two field experiments consisted of three ploughing methods and seven fallow methods. The experiments were carried out in organic soils in Central Finland. The methods applied in the brief fallow before cereal sowing (exp. 1) were not effective enough against E. repens. Due to wet weather conditions in the spring the fallow period was limited to two weeks in both years, which did not seem to be enough time. In the late summer fallow after ley (exp. 2), the Kvick-Finn weed-cultivator destroyed E. repens very effectively; on average 5% of E. repens remained alive in the barley crop in the autumn of the following year. After use of ordinary cultivators 10% of E. repens remained alive, after use of the spade harrow 25% and after frequent mowing over 50% remained alive, respectively. As a result of effective E. repens control, barley yield was about 1000 kg ha-1 higher than without any fallow. In conclusion, effective control of E. repens is achieved with proper machinery and repeated treatments at the optimal time.
Highlights
Perennial weeds are recognised as an increasing challenge in organic farming in the Nordic countries (Salonen et al 2011, Brandsaeter et al 2012, Melander et al 2012)
In Finland, Elymus repens (L.) Gould is the most abundant perennial weed, and Cirsium arvense L. and Sonchus arvensis L. are becoming more common in organic farming (Riesinger 2010, Salonen et al 2011)
The development of non-chemical perennial weed control methods is essential in conventional farming, since there is an universal need to decrease the use of glyphosate and other herbicides (Melander et al 2013a)
Summary
Perennial weeds are recognised as an increasing challenge in organic farming in the Nordic countries (Salonen et al 2011, Brandsaeter et al 2012, Melander et al 2012). In Finland, Elymus repens (L.) Gould is the most abundant perennial weed, and Cirsium arvense L. and Sonchus arvensis L. are becoming more common in organic farming (Riesinger 2010, Salonen et al 2011). Perennial weeds can decrease remarkably amounts of yield in organic cereals and protein crops and hamper harvest operations (Melander 1994, Graglia et al 2006). The development of non-chemical perennial weed control methods is essential in conventional farming, since there is an universal need to decrease the use of glyphosate and other herbicides (Melander et al 2013a).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
