Author: Eric Gallandt, University of Maine
Date of Original Post: March 4, 2021
Revised on:
| 1 | Adopt a systems-perspective to weed management including multiple stresses to reduce the weed seedbank. | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Prepare a stale seedbed using shallow tillage and flaming, tarping, or solarization to reduce weed seedling density. | |
| 3 | Prepare a firm, level seedbed free of rocks and residue. | |
| 4 | Plant, sow or transplant crops in precisely spaced, straight rows | |
| 5 | Establish and maintain a size advantage for your crop by planting at an optimal depth, and using irrigation and starter fertilizer to encourage vigorous early growth. | |
| 6 | Precisely adjust row-crop cultivators based on spacing of planting or seeding equipment. Rows cultivated must match rows planted, or be a multiple thereof (e.g., if planning to cultivate two rows of vegetable crops at 20 in. centers in a bed system, crops must be planted with a two-row planter on 20 in. centers). | |
| 7 | Cultivate early, targeting very small, white-thread or cotyledon growth stage weed seedlings. | |
| 8 | Cultivate as close to the crop row as possible. | |
| 9 | Consider finger, torsion and tine weeders, alone and in combination, to target intra-row weeds. | |
| 10 | Consider hilling or ridging to bury small weeds within the crop row. |