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Submitted to: Weed Science
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 7/8/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Many weed scientists are struggling to develop a broader range of weed control tools and tactics. Current weed control technology has been highly successful and has made a major contribution to increased agricultural productivity. However, the system is not perfect and weeds continue to present significant challenges. Weed populations shift in response to herbicides and other production practices, herbicides are finding their way into unintended places, and soil erosion continues. Criticizing current weed control practices is easy, but the lack of viable alternatives makes many of these criticisms almost pointless. Many potential approaches for the development of alternative weed management systems exist. Smother plants are specialized cover crops developed for their ability to suppress weeds. An effective smother plant system would control weeds, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil quality. They key to success will be our ability to understand and manage the biological interactions among the crop, weeds, and smother plants. A smother crop could take advantage of the ability of crops like corn and soybean to withstand early season competition. This is the same principle that is the basis for postemergence herbicide systems. |
