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The life cycles of most plant-parasitic nematodes are similar and start with an egg [5, 6]. The egg undergoes embryonic development resulting in a first-stage (J1) juvenile nematode. Depending upon the nematode species, the J1 may hatch from the egg or molt within the egg, forming a second-stage juvenile (J2). The majority of plant-parasitic nematode […]

Kathy S. Lawrence, Auburn University Gary W. Lawrence, Mississippi State University Conservation tillage systems leave crop residue on the soil surface to reduce soil erosion and soil compaction. The practice of conservation tillage has increased in recent decades partially due to the rising cost of petroleum products and concern over soil erosion [34]. There are […]

Conservation tillage systems can be environmentally and economically beneficial for growers in the Southeast, but weed species and management will be different than in conventional tillage systems. Although weed control can be challenging when converting to conservation tillage, there are many weed control options for producers to evaluate when developing their management plan. The use […]

Corn While the potential for yield and profitability is strong, a major limiting factor to adopting reduced tillage in corn production is the concern of less-effective weed control. Because adequate nitrogen availability is essential for corn development, use a legume cover crop that provides both weed control and nitrogen fixation, such as hairy vetch, red […]

In highly weedy fields, an 18- to 36-month remedial covered-fallow period that uses integrated weed management strategies can lower the weed seedbank and improve the soil, creating an environment in which crops can thrive. Conventional tillage practices have been suggested for areas with heavy infestations of resistant weeds, but for several reasons, many researchers do […]

When tillage is either significantly reduced or eliminated, herbicides become one of the most relied-upon strategies for weed control, but they must be used in conjunction with appropriate cultural practices. There is no single “big hammer” solution to weeds; rather, a strategy involving “many little hammers,” or cultural weed control practices such as cover crops, […]

When tillage is reduced or eliminated, the growing environment selects for different types of weeds, and anticipating these changes in the weed community is critical to developing a successful weed management plan. Table 11.1 lists weeds that can be problematic in conservation tillage systems. In reduced tillage, it is common to see a shift to […]

Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Association for Biological Farming Ronald D. Morse, Virginia Tech (emeritus) Continuous no-till is difficult to achieve in organic production, but “rotational no-till” may offer a more feasible approach as part of an organic reduced-tillage system. Using this approach, fields are tilled after harvest and before planting a high-biomass cover crop, but both […]

Andrew J. Price, USDA-ARS Jessica A. Kelton, Auburn University Controlling weeds in any agricultural system can be a major challenge and cost, especially without advance preparation. Without a weed management plan in place before planting, weeds can easily emerge and out-compete crops. They can reduce yield, increase labor demands for last-resort weed control such as […]

Crop nutrient needs are the same whether grown with conventional or conservation tillage. However, tillage methods result in different micro-environments that can change how nutrients become available for plant uptake. Know your region and soils to develop the best local strategy for sampling soils, applying fertilizer and monitoring crop nutrient status. In this way, the […]