Author
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Donald, William |
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Submitted to: Weed Science Society of America Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 2/10/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Weeded control treatments are an integral part of most weed management experiments because they help determine the maximum crop yield at a given site and year without weed competition. However, erratic heavy rainfall can prevent timely hoeing and hand pulling to create weeded treatments. The objective of this experiment was to compare alternative mechanical methods for controlling weeds between crop rows to create weeded treatment in corn and soybeans. Weeds between crop rows were controlled by repeatedly mowing with either a cord- or string mower, using a mini rototiller, or hoeing and hand-pulling weeds, the traditional method. Weeds were controlled within rows by hoeing and hand pulling for these treatments. The four methods for controlling weeds between crop rows were equally effective in terms of either corn or soybean yield and either rated weed control or weed ground cover in two years under contrasting rainfall patterns. Results indicate that selective mowing with a string or cord mower is an excellent alternative to the traditional method of hand hoeing check plots. Selective mowing is not only faster and easier but can be performed when the soil is too wet for hand hoeing. |
