Weed management in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) influenced by different soil tillage systems

Abstract

In this study, weed management in winter wheat influenced by different soil tillage systems was investigated. The experiment was carried out under Mediterranean conditions on a Luvisol, during two growing seasons (1996/1997 and 1999/2000). Two factors (different soil tillage systems and post-emergence weed control) were studied, with two levels each: Two soil tillage systems and two levels of post-emergence weed control. The conventional soil tillage system, performed for seedbed preparation after the emergence of a high percentage of weeds, increases the appearance of monocotyledons, especially Lolium rigidum Gaud. in wheat crops, when compared to their establishment in no-till system. As a consequence of the higher number of monocotyledons there is an increase in weed-crop competition. Without post-emergence herbicide treatment, the wheat crop yield is lower in the treatments with the conventional soil tillage system and yield reduction is less under no-till system compared to the respective treatments with post-emergence herbicide application.