Introduction

Materials and
Methods

Results and
Discussion

Conclusion/
Implications

Future Research
Needs

References

Related
www Sites

Project
Background

Postplant tillage provides limited weed control in flax, lentil and spring wheat

Patrick M. Carr, Glenn B. Martin, and Jerry D. Harris
Dickinson Research Extension Center
North Dakota State University


Abstract
Postplant tillage has been used to reduce herbicide treatments in present day corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) production systems. The objective of this research was to determine if postplant tillage could replace or be a supplement to herbicide treatments for weed control in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Thell.). Nine treatments were evaluated during 1994 and 1995: harrowing and rotary hoeing once, each at 5 days after planting (DAP); harrowing and rotary hoeing twice, each at 5 DAP and 28 DAP; harrowing and rotary hoeing once, each at 5 DAP followed by herbicides applied at 28 DAP; herbicides applied at 28 DAP; removing weeds by hand; and an untreated control. Postplant tillage reduced broadleaf weed biomass but did not reduce grass weed biomass compared to the untreated check (P < 0.05). Herbicides applied for grass and broadleaf weed control were more effective than postplant tillage. Weed control was not enhanced when herbicides were combined with postplant tillage, except for lentil in 1994. That year, methylated seed oil (Scoil) was applied along with herbicides and extensive injury to lentil plants occurred. Weeds flourished with less competition from lentil. Tillage did not affect lentil or wheat plant stands but reduced the flax population by 14 to 44%. Postplant tillage is not an effective alternative or supplement to herbicides applied for weed control in flax, lentil and hard red spring wheat. This article is only available online at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndagres/ndagres.htm

Impact — Results of this study can be used when projecting the consequences of reducing or eliminating herbicides presently used in flax, lentil and hard red spring wheat to growers of these crops or end-use buyers.
Audience — Flax, lentil and hard red wheat producers; herbicide and tillage equipment manufacturers and sales representatives; organic farmers.

Keywords
cultivation, harrow, rotary hoe, herbicides

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