Download or read book Management Strategies for Weed Suppression During Transition to Organic Agriculture written by Stephanie Wedryk and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Abstract: Concerns about public health and environmental quality due to the use of pesticides in conventional agriculture have driven increased demand for organic products. Although growers have obtained higher prices and demand with organic products, many farmers are reluctant to transition to organic agriculture. Farmers view the challenge of weed management and risk of lower output as barriers to converting to organic production. The mandated three years before organic certification can be used to suppress weeds and improve soil fertility for enhanced yields in the first year of organic production. Smother cropping is an alternative strategy of weed management that uses living plants in monoculture or mixture to control weeds with the potential to improve soil fertility. Potential smother crops and smother crop mixtures, their effectiveness without chemical or mechanical management, mechanisms of suppression, and impacts on productivity under organic management are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the use of smother cropping and associated transition strategies for weed suppression and productivity through 1) evaluation of smother crop species and mechanisms of weed suppression through a literature review; 2) determining the potential of using tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] and warm-season annual crop mixtures; 4) assessing smother crop planting dates; and 5) comparing mechanical and cropping-based organic transition strategies. The results of this research indicate that crop growth and ancillary management practices are most important in determining the effectiveness of smother crops. Exploitation of ecological niches in designing smother crop systems and targeting specific weeds can improve weed suppression. Tef can be used to suppress annual weeds under organic management, but is a weak competitor against Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop]. In designing smother crop mixtures, the choice of grass species in mixture can affect biomass production. The effect of grass species in crop mixture dynamics may be related to height, morphology, spread, and aggressivity. Multi-species mixtures can increase ground cover by smother crops and reduce the cover of weeds, but are not more effective than monocultures in suppressing weed biomass. Canada thistle is a particularly problematic weed for organic growers and planting smother crop mixtures when root carbohydrate reserves are at a seasonal nadir can improve suppression. Crop mixtures of warm-season, highly competitive crops were most effective at suppressing Canada thistle while a mixture of cool-temperature adapted species suppressed annual weed biomass. Smother cropping and the use of high-diversity prairie species as organic transition strategies were most suppressive of weed density and biomass after three years of transition. Compost application improved vegetable yields in the first organic year, while plant available nutrients had the greatest influence on potato yield and organic matter strongly affected tomato yields in comparison to other soil variables. Transition strategies before conversion to organic agriculture can influence productivity and weed populations. Smother cropping is a viable strategy for organic transition, but the choice of crops and management must be carefully considered in order to realize optimal benefits.
Download or read book Organic Farming written by Charles A. Francis and published by ASA-CSSA-SSSA. This book was released on 2009 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book represents a current look at what we know about organic farming practices and systems, primarily from the U.S. and Canadian perspectives. the discussion begins with history and certification, ecological knowledge as the foundation for sustaining food systems, and biodiversity. The next chapters address crop-animal systems; forages, grain, oil seed, and specialty crops; organic cropping and soil nutrient needs; and vegetation and pest management. Readers will next learn about marketing organics, organic foods and food security, and education and research. The book concludes with a survey of the future of organic farming and a perspective on the agricultural industry and the future of the rural sector.--COVER.
Download or read book Crop Rotation on Organic Farms written by Charles L. Mohler and published by Natural Resource Agriculture and Engineering Service (Nraes). This book was released on 2009 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Manage Weeds on Your Farm written by Charles L. Mohler and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Manage Weeds on Your Farm: A Guide to Ecological Strategies provides you with in-depth information about dozens of agricultural weeds found throughout the country and the best ways of managing them. In Part One, the book begins with a general discussion of weeds: their biology, behavior and the characteristics that influence how to best control their populations. It then describes the strengths and limitations of the most common cultural management practices, physical practices and cultivation tools. Part Two is a reference section that describes the identification, ecology and management of 63 of the most common and difficult-to-control weed species found in the United States.
Download or read book Non Chemical Weed Control written by Khawar Jabran and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2018-01-03 with total page 174 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Non-Chemical Weed Control is the first book to present an overview of plant crop protection against non-food plants using non-chemical means. Plants growing wild—particularly unwanted plants found in cultivated ground to the exclusion of the desired crop—have been treated with herbicides and chemical treatments in the past. As concern over environmental, food and consumer safety increases, research has turned to alternatives, including the use of cover crops, thermal treatments and biotechnology to reduce and eliminate unwanted plants. This book provides insight into existing and emerging alternative crop protection methods and includes lessons learned from past methodologies. As crop production resources decline while consumer concerns over safety increase, the effective control of weeds is imperative to insure the maximum possible levels of soil, sunlight and nutrients reach the crop plants. Allows reader to identify the most appropriate solution based on their individual use or case Provides researchers, students and growers with current concepts regarding the use of modern, environment-friendly weed control techniques Presents methods of weed management—an important part of integrated weed management in the future Exploits the knowledge gained from past sustainable weed management efforts
Download or read book Handbook of Sustainable Weed Management written by Harinder P. Singh and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2006-03-14 with total page 956 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Innovative Strategies for Managing Weeds in an Environmentally Protective Manner Successfully meeting the challenge of providing weed control without relying on dangerous chemicals that endanger the ecosystem or human lives, this compendium focuses on management strategies that reduce herbicidal usage, restore ecological balance, and increase food production. It also provides new insights and approaches for weed scientists, agronomists, agriculturists, horticulturists, farmers, and extentionists, as well as teachers and students. In the Handbook of Sustainable Weed Management, experts from Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia organize in one resource information related to weeds and their management from different ecosystems around the world that has been until now been scattered throughout the literature.. The text captures the multifaceted impacts of and approaches to managing weeds from field, farm, landscape, regional, and global perspectives. Generously illustrated with tables and figures, this book not only describes the various techniques for weed management but shows you what methods work best in a given region, or in response to a specific, invasive weed or invaded crop. Covering the full scope of modern weed science the handbook examines different aspects of weed management, including— • Cultural practices • Cover crops • Crop rotation designs • Potential of herbicide resistant crops • Bioherbicides • Allelopathy • Microorganisms • Integrated weed management In spite of advancement in technologies and procedures, weeds continue to pose a major ecological and economical threat to agriculture. Handbook of Sustainable Weed Management takes a broad view of weeds as a part of an agricultural system composed of interacting production, environmental, biological, economic, and social components all working together to find balance. This comprehensive book is a vital addition to the debate over how global weed management is changing in the 21st century. Also available in soft cover
Download or read book Ecological Management of Agricultural Weeds written by Matt Liebman and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2001-07-19 with total page 546 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents principles and practices for ecologically based weed management in a wide range of temperate and tropical farming systems. Special attention is given to the evolutionary challenges that weeds pose and the roles that farmers can play in the development of new weed-management strategies.
Download or read book Weed Management for Organic Farmers Growers and Smallholders written by Gareth Davies and published by Crowood Press (UK). This book was released on 2008 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This well researched book covers all aspects of organic weed management. It is essential reading, not only for organic farmers, growers, and smallholders, but also for organic advisers and consultants, agricultural students and all those who have an interest in weed management theory and practice in organic farming systems. The authors provide a practical guide to weed management practices on organic farms in temperate areas and emphasize a 'whole system approach' to organic weed management in the context of whole rotations. The book examines the scientific and organic principles underlying weed management and considers their implications for weed control. A thorough assessment is made of all of the common weeds and the different methods needed to manage them, both within particular crops and across broader organic agricultural systems.
Download or read book Ecologically Based Weed Management written by Nicholas E. Korres and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2023-12-07 with total page 357 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ecologically Based Weed Management Protect crop yields and strengthen ecosystems with this essential guide Research into weed management is an increasingly critical component of both environmental stewardship and food production. The potential cost of weed propagation can be measured in crop yield reductions, under-nourished populations, stymied economies, and more. The propagation of herbicide-resistant weed populations means that purely chemical weed management is no longer viable; food production can now be secured only with an ecological approach to weed control. Ecologically Based Weed Management details such approaches and their potential to manage weeds across a range of agricultural and environmental contexts. It emphasizes the deployment of ecological principles to prevent weed infestations, reduce crop losses, and strengthen ecosystems. In a time when growing population and changing climates are placing enormous pressure on global food production, this approach to weed management has never been more vital. Ecologically Based Weed Management readers will also find: A global team of expert contributors to a multidisciplinary approach Detailed discussion of topics like herbicide limitation, integrated weed management, and more Insights pertinent to agriculture, academia, government, industry, and more Ecologically Based Weed Management is ideal for researchers in agriculture chemistry, weed science, agronomy, ecology, and related fields, as well as for regulators and advanced students.
Download or read book Steel in the Field written by Greg Bowman and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Weed Control written by Nicholas E. Korres and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2018-12-19 with total page 664 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In light of public concerns about sustainable food production, the necessity for human and environmental protection, along with the evolution of herbicide resistant weeds, call for a review of current weed control strategies. Sustainable weed control requires an integrated approach based on knowledge of each crop and the weeds that threaten it. This book will be an invaluable source of information for scholars, growers, consultants, researchers and other stakeholders dealing with either arable, row, cash, vegetables, orchards or even grassland-based production systems. The uniqueness of this book comes from the balanced coverage of herbicide effects on humans and environment in relation to best weed control practices of the most important cropping systems worldwide. Furthermore, it amalgamates and discusses the most appropriate, judicious and suitable weed control strategies for a wide range of crops. It reviews the available information and suggests solutions that are not merely feasible but also optimal.
Download or read book A Way to Garden written by Margaret Roach and published by Timber Press. This book was released on 2019-04-30 with total page 640 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “A Way to Garden prods us toward that ineffable place where we feel we belong; it’s a guide to living both in and out of the garden.” —The New York Times Book Review For Margaret Roach, gardening is more than a hobby, it’s a calling. Her unique approach, which she calls “horticultural how-to and woo-woo,” is a blend of vital information you need to memorize and intuitive steps you must simply feel and surrender to. In A Way to Garden, Roach imparts decades of garden wisdom on seasonal gardening, ornamental plants, vegetable gardening, design, gardening for wildlife, organic practices, and much more. She also challenges gardeners to think beyond their garden borders and to consider the ways gardening can enrich the world. Brimming with beautiful photographs of Roach’s own garden, A Way to Garden is practical, inspiring, and a must-have for every passionate gardener.
Download or read book A History of Weed Science in the United States written by Robert L Zimdahl and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2010-02-04 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is important that scientists think about and know their history - where they came from, what they have accomplished, and how these may affect the future. Weed scientists, similar to scientists in many technological disciplines, have not sought historical reflection. The technological world asks for results and for progress. Achievement is important not, in general, the road that leads to achievement. What was new yesterday is routine today, and what is described as revolutionary today may be considered antiquated tomorrow. Weed science has been strongly influenced by technology developed by supporting industries, subsequently employed in research and, ultimately, used by farmers and crop growers. The science has focused on results and progress. Scientists have been--and the majority remain--problem solvers whose solutions have evolved as rapidly as have the new weed problems needing solutions. In a more formal sense, weed scientists have been adherents of the instrumental ideology of modern science. That is an analysis of their work, and their orientation reveals the strong emphasis on practical, useful knowledge; on know how. The opposite, and frequently complementary orientation, that has been missing from weed science is an emphasis on contemplative knowledge; that is, knowing why. This book expands on and analyzes how these orientations have affected weed science’s development. The first analytical history of weed science to be written Compares the development of weed science, entomology and plant pathology Identifies the primary founders of weed science and describes their role
Download or read book Non chemical Weed Management written by Mahesh K. Upadhyaya and published by CABI. This book was released on 2007 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The increase in organic farming and concerns about potential negative effects on human health and the environment is creating a demand for pesticide-free food and alternative weed management techniques. This book provides a comprehensive examination of non-chemical weed management.
Download or read book Weed Management in Organic Vegetable Production written by Jed Colquhoun and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For organic vegetable growers, employing effective weed management strategies is crucial for producing high-yielding crops?and for the bottom line. University of Wisconsin-Extension weed specialist Jed Colquhoun mined the research that's been conducted on organic weed management options and put together this overview. He highlights key points of a wide variety of strategies, provides background detail, and, for those interested in digging deeper, supplies citations along with a brief summary of the research studies. Covers weed prevention, managing the weed seedbank, mulches, cover crops and allelopathy, reduced tillage and dark cultivation, thermal weed management, alternative herbicides, crop competition, and in-season cultivation.
Download or read book Managing Cover Crops Profitably 3rd Ed written by Andy Clark and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2008-07 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cover crops slow erosion, improve soil, smother weeds, enhance nutrient and moisture availability, help control many pests and bring a host of other benefits to your farm. At the same time, they can reduce costs, increase profits and even create new sources of income. You¿ll reap dividends on your cover crop investments for years, since their benefits accumulate over the long term. This book will help you find which ones are right for you. Captures farmer and other research results from the past ten years. The authors verified the info. from the 2nd ed., added new results and updated farmer profiles and research data, and added 2 chap. Includes maps and charts, detailed narratives about individual cover crop species, and chap. about aspects of cover cropping.
Download or read book Weeds written by Charles Walters and published by . This book was released on 1999 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Charles Walters, founder and long-time editor of Acres U.S.A., the monthly journal of eco-agriculture, has revised and expanded his now classic text on the secrets that weeds reveal to us about our soil. For a thorough understanding of the conditions that produce certain weeds, you simply can't find a better source than this one -- certainly not one as entertaining, as full of anecdotes and home-spun common sense.
