Weed Suppression Ability and Yield Impact of Living Mulch in Cereal Crops
2018
Roland Gerhards
Intercropping provides several benefits to the agro-ecosystem and plays an important role in Integrated Weed Management (IWM). In this study, we investigated the impact of living mulch in cereal crops on weed density and grain yield. Seven field experiments were conducted in Southwestern Germany. Perennial ryegrass and white clover were sown on the same day as the cereal crop (early) and when cereals had produced 3–5 leaves or the first tillers (late). Average weed density in the control plots without living mulch was 45 weeds m−2. Perennial ryegrass and white clover significantly reduced weed density to 22 plants m−2 and 25 plants m−2. Sowing date of living mulch had no effect on weed density. Grain yield was equal in all treatments. The results show that living mulch can suppress weeds without competing with the cereal crop.
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