Organic Management of Perennial Weeds

Darren Robinson
University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus
drobinso@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca

Abstract
Organic production requires an integrated system of various crop management techniques.  Weed management that combines several techniques is seen as a more effective means, through preventing weed populations from increasing in intensity.  A thorough understanding of the interactions among several weed management techniques and the biology of perennial weed species provides a cornerstone to integrated weed management systems. 

Applied on their own, various weed control methods, including mechanical cultivation, flame weeding, crop rotation, companion crops, cover crops and other cultural methods may be of limited success, depending on the biology of the weeds, the existing soil characteristics, and environmental conditions.  A whole-system approach to weed management of perennials is therefore required for success in any production system.  Perennial weed management with cultivation is dependent on the biology of weeds of concern.  Not all perennial weeds can be managed with the same equipment, and the timing of tillage can also be influenced by weed species. 

This presentation will summarize research that has taken a systems’ approach, in which various methods of weed control have been combined along with our understanding of perennial weed biology.  


Abstract of presentation given at the 2010 Guelph Organic Conference Natural Sciences Research Symposium.


en français


Posted March 2010