Weed Control in Reduced Tillage Corn Production Systems
1978
Moomaw, R. S. | Martin, A. R.
Till-planting and slot-planting are two reduced tillage corn (Zea mays L.) production systems used in Nebraska and other states. Farm operators frequently encounter existing weed populations at planting time with these systems when tillage does not precede the planting operation. Our research investigated weed control in tillplanted and slot-planted corn with preplant translocated and contact herbicides, broadcast or band applications of preemergence herbicides, and a cultivation variable. Field experiments utilized previously undisturbed ridges of old corn rows for till-planting or slot-planting corn. Applications of 2,4-D[(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] ester and paraquat (l,l'-dimethy 1-4,4'-bipyridinium ion) were used in combination with preemergence herbicide treatments that were either row banded or broadcast. One or two cultivations were imposed on the two tillage systems. Till-planting resulted in more soil surface tillage and less dependence on herbicides than did slot-planting. Maximum corn yield was achieved in the till-plant system by row banding several preemergence herbicide treatments, coupled with one cultivation. Slot-planting resulted in less soil disturbance with the planter than did till-planting and required more herbicide usage. With slot-planting, a preplant application of 2,4-D was essential to remove the predominantly broadleaf weed population and maximize corn yields. When preplant 2,4-D was used with slot-planting, corn yields were not significantly different between band and broadcast applications of the preemergence herbicides used. Two cultivations rather than one tended to increase yields of slot-planted corn.
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