Winning the weed war with cover crops

By Scout Nelson

The battle against weeds in agriculture might have a green ally according to recent research by Osipitan et al. in 2018, which emphasizes the crucial role of cover crops in weed management. The findings indicate that the amount of biomass produced by a cover crop is directly proportional to its effectiveness in weed control.

Among the top performers are small grains such as barley, rye, triticale, wheat, and oats. These crops excel in both suppressing weed growth and generating beneficial biomass.

The choice of cover crop largely depends on crop rotation patterns and seed availability. For wheat growers, options like barley, rye, or triticale might not be suitable due to crop similarities, but wheat itself can serve as an efficient cover crop.

When weed control is the primary objective, mixing different cover crop species is generally not recommended because of inter-species competition.

Diving into field trials conducted by the Weed Science Program at the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center since 2019, winter wheat, sown at 100 pounds per acre, stood out for its potential in weed suppression.

These trials, executed with precision, showed promising results in combating weeds, particularly Palmer amaranth, in dry bean crops. The research team observed significant weed control in plots with cover crops compared to those without.

The timing of cover crop planting plays a pivotal role in its effectiveness. Fall planting showed great results, but spring planting dates, particularly March 15, also demonstrated comparable weed suppression capabilities. An April planting date did not allow sufficient time for the cover crop to establish enough biomass before dry bean planting.

While cover crops show promise in managing weeds in crops like dry beans, their success hinges on selecting appropriate species, optimal planting times, and favorable weather conditions for biomass development.

This strategy not only aids in controlling weeds but also opens up discussions on sustainable farming practices and the potential for cover crops to benefit various agricultural systems.

Photo Credit -gettyimages-eugenesergeev