Abstract
This study aims to determine the impact of different non-chemical weed control systems on organically grown spring oilseed rape ( Brassica napus L.) crop weediness and yield of seeds. Non-chemical weed control systems: 1) thermal (water steam), 2) mechanical (inter-row loosening), and 3) smothering (self-regulation). Thermal (1.5–1.8 times) and mechanical (2.5–6.8 times) weed control systems significantly reduced the number of weed seedlings in spring oilseed rape crop, compared with the weed smothering system. The most effective system of weed control in rape crop was mechanical (efficiency 30.9–75.5 %). Efficiency of thermal weed control system, compared with mechanical, was lower, 28.4–40.0 %. Before rape harvesting in plots where mechanical weed control was applied, compared with plots where weed smothering was used, the number of weeds was significantly 3.2–4.4 times lower, and dry matter mass of weeds was 2.2–3.1 times lower. The yield of rape seeds increased with increasing efficiency of thermal and mechanical weed control. In 2014, the yield of rape seeds depended on number of weed seedlings and dry matter mass of weeds before rape harvesting. Keywords: spring oilseed rape, weed control systems, weed, yield, organic farming
Highlights
In the organic farming weed control is based on weeds and crop interaction, crop rotations, soil conditions, different management and weed control methods (Lundkvist et al, 2008)
Thermal (1.5–1.8 times) and mechanical (2.5–6.8 times) weed control systems significantly reduced the number of weed seedlings, compared with the weed smothering system
The efficiency of weed control in weed smothering plots was negative. In both experimental years before spring oilseed rape harvesting the lowest number and the least dry matter mass of weeds was determined in plots where mechanical weed control was applied
Summary
In the organic farming weed control is based on weeds and crop interaction, crop rotations, soil conditions, different management and weed control methods (Lundkvist et al, 2008). Inter-row mechanical weed control is practiced in organic farms and can significantly reduce crop weediness (Praczyk, 2005). Thermal weed control using water steam is a newly developed method for controlling weeds (Kerpauskas et al, 2010; Sirvydas, Kerpauskas, 2012). Kerpauskas et al (2006) determined that thermal weed control using steam lowered weed dry matter mass by 44.0 %. There have been multiple investigations on oilseed rape cultivated in an organic system, but there is lack of such studies for Lithuanian climatic conditions, especially with non-chemical weed control systems. The aim of this study was to investigate non-chemical weed control systems on organically grown spring oilseed rape The aim of this study was to investigate non-chemical weed control systems on organically grown spring oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera annua Metzg) crop weediness and yield of seeds
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