Simulation Analysis of Weed Population Dynamics in Ridge-Tilled fields

Abstract

Effects of nonchemical weed control on weed and seedbank demography in ridge-tilled fields were simulated to examine long-term effects on weed population dynamics. Ridge tillage entails active seedbank management, including removal of much of the seedbank from the crop growth zone (ridge) to the interridge zone (furrow) at planting, and other seedbank manipulations. Dynamics of simulated yellow foxtail and velvetleaf populations were sharply sensitive to the rate of seed removal from the ridge. Variation in winter seed survival, ridge plant demography (emergence, survival, and seed production), and seed survival in the furrow after removal from the ridge also had strong effects on simulated dynamics. To prevent rapid population growth in a simulated corn-soybean rotation, very effective control of seedlings emerging with each crop was necessary to offset seed production from seedlings emerging after ridge rebuilding in corn years. Dynamics of both species were highly sensitive to cultivation efficiency. Effective “rescue” weed control must be available to prevent sharp increases in weed seedbanks during years when cultivation is ineffective.