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Title: EFFECT OF TILLAGE ON TIMING OF FOXTAIL EMERGENCE AND GROWTH AND IMPLICATIONS ON TIMING OF GLYPHOSATE APPLICATIONS

Author
item STAHL, L - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
item JOHNSON, G - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
item WYSE, D - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
item Buhler, Douglas - Doug
item GUNSOLUS, J - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Submitted to: Weed Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/18/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: No-tillage crop production systems reduce soil erosion, conserve soil moisture, and reduce energy inputs, but often increase weed control problems. No-tillage systems eliminate soil tillage prior to crop planting. This alters the environment where crops, weeds, and weed control practices interact. Understanding the influence of tillage on weed population development will help the development of more effective weed management systems that cost less and require less herbicide. The purpose of our research was to determine the effects of long-term tillage history on the timing and duration of foxtail emergence and investigate the effect of tillage on foxtail density and seed production following herbicide applications. Foxtail emergence was greater in no-tillage than in plots where extensive tillage was conducted. There was a dramatic increase in foxtail emergence in no-tillage between 3 and 4 weeks after planting in 1994 and between 5 and 6 weeks after planting in 1995 and 1996. Foxtail plants consistently reached targeted heights 4 to 9 days earlier in no-tillage than the other tillage systems. Results of this research indicate that tillage interacted with weed control practices, weather conditions, and other factors to regulate weed populations. This research will enable farmers who use no-tillage systems to recognize changes in weed problems and adjust weed management strategies accordingly. A knowledge of weed population dynamics, combined with the best control techniques, will develop economically viable and environmentally benign weed management for no-tillage systems.

Technical Abstract: Weed management can be a significant challenge in cropping systems partly because the effects of tillage systems on weed seedbank and seedling population dynamics are not well understood. Field research was conducted from 1994 through 1996 in established plots consisting of moldboard plow, chisel plow, and no-tillage. No-tillage contained a greater number of foxtail seeds in the upper 6 cm of soil than the other tillage systems. Foxtail emergence was greater in no-tillage than moldboard plow or chisel plow in most cases. There was a dramatic increase in foxtail emergence in no-tillage between 3 and 4 weeks after planting in 1994 and between 5 and 6 weeks after planting in 1995 and 1996. Foxtail plants consistently reached targeted heights 4 to 9 days earlier in no-tillage than the other tillage systems. In 1994, final foxtail density was greater in no-tillage than moldboard or chisel plow following glyphosate application at the 5- and 10-cm application timings. In 1995, no-tillage resulted in the greatest foxtail density following all glyphosate application timings. Due to the greater number of plants escaping control, foxtail seed production was also greater in no-tillage than the other tillage systems. Results of this study indicate that the control of foxtail with postemergence, non-residual herbicides is influenced by tillage and timing of application.