Plant protection in spring cereal production with reduced tillage. IV.: Changes in the weed flora and weed seedbank

Abstract

In five long-term field trials with various tillage treatments and plant protection measures winter annual+biennial and perennial weed species increased when tillage was reduced compared to conventional seed-bed preparation by ploughing and harrowing. In some fields monocot species developed most, while in other fields dicots dominated. Both stubble treatment with glyphosate and post-emergence weed control were necessary for sufficient weed control in reduced tillage compared to ploughed plots. The weed seedbank in upper soil layer increased when tillage was reduced. If weeds were controlled, no changes in the seedbank occurred. Weed species with few seeds in soil and mainly vegetative propagation were a problem in reduced tillage.