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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #423861
Research Project: Agronomic and Engineering Solutions for Conventional and Organic Conservation Agricultural Systems in the Southeastern U.S.

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Weed suppression in tomato field: The role of cover crop types and termination

Author
item SINGH, AKASHDEEP - Auburn University
item RUSSELL, DAVID - Auburn University
item Price, Andrew
item Kornecki, Ted
item Kichler, Corey
item MAITY, ANIRUDDHA - Auburn University

Submitted to: Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/2025
Publication Date: 1/24/2025
Citation: Singh, A., Russell, D., Price, A.J., Kornecki, T.S., Kichler, C.M., Maity, A. 2025. Weed suppression in tomato field: The role of cover crop types and termination [abstract]. Southern Weed Science Society, Charleston, SC January 26-29, 2025.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Tomatoes are economically significant in the United States, rich in essential nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, organic acids, and antioxidants. Weed management is a major expense in tomato production, representing a significant portion of total operating costs, with growers maintaining nearzero weed thresholds. Use of cover crops in tomato production reduces weed pressure, slows soil erosion, conserves soil organic carbon, and improves soil fertility. This study examines the impact of two cover crops (cereal rye and clover) and two termination methods (rolling and tilling) on weed suppression in tomato fields, using a factorial design with four replications. Data collection involved measuring weed count and biomass, and assessing the soil weed seed bank at three depths (0-5 cm, 5-15 cm, and 15-30 cm). Results indicated that plots with rye as a cover crop had lower weed counts and biomass, and rolling the cover crop significantly suppressed weeds. Both the type of cover crop and termination method significantly affected weed suppression, aiming to optimize cover crops and soil management practices for effective weed control in tomato cultivation.