ARS | Publication request: SELECTIVE MOWING - INTEGRATED WEED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN CORN (ZEA MAYS) ANDSOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX)

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 7, 1999
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Alternative ways are needed to control weeds in field crops that can reduce or prevent herbicide, nutrient, and sediment contamination of surface water and ground water while preventing soil erosion. An integrated weed management system (IWMS), which consists of band-applied herbicides over the crop row plus two to three selective mowings between crop rows, was tested in corn and soybean over a six year period in Missouri. Selectivel mowing weeds close to the soil surface with a cord mower killed or suppressed most common annual grass and broadleaf weeds between crop rows if properly timed. Crop yield in the selective mowing-IWMS was comparable to the weeded check plots and greater than the weedy check plots. Herbicide use per unit area was reduced by 50%. The selective mowing-IWMS has potential use in environmentally sensitive areas, particularly where herbicide contamination of surface water is a problem.