Solarization: an environmentally friendly technology for weed control
1995
Elmore, C.L.
Weeds are present as seeds or propagules in the soil at the time of crop planting. As the crop establishes, weeds also groqw unless they are controlled. The greatest weed competition occurs in the first 4 weeks of establishment. As mechanical seeding and cultivation increases, weeds must be controlled in the seed-line. Soil solarization has been an effective method of weed control for most weed species. It has been especially effective on Orobanche sp. and Asteraceae family species that chemicals have not adequately controlled. Winter annual species are all easily controlled. Only some summer annuals and some perennials with deep rhizomes or rootstocks are not controlled. Benefits of using soil solarization for weed control include 1)broad spectrum pest control, 2) do not need specific chemicals,rates,or chemical application equipment,3) no concern about over application and thus crop residues,4) no concern about chemical residues in the soil, 5)plantings of many crops in a small area, without potential herbicide contamination from one crop to another, 6)can be applied by hand or machine, and 7) may "clean up" a site of a major pest complex without using everal chemicals. Soil preparation and application techniques should be stressed for optimum weed control to enhance the acceptance of this environmentally friendly method of pest control
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