Weed ecology in Conservation Agriculture systems: an overview

Code: 9781835454343
Publication date: 17/07/2025
Extent: 54 pages

Contributions by: Seyed Vahid Eslami, University of Birjand, Iran; Carol C. Baskin and Jerry M. Baskin, University of Kentucky, USA

Chapter synopsis:

This chapter extensively explores the intricate dynamics of weed communities within the framework of Conservation Agriculture (CA). A review of weed density, shifts in species, and seedbank dynamics under CA reveals the challenges inherent in this agricultural system. The chapter underscores the implications for ecological weed management, critically assessing the efficacy of the main CA pillars, i.e. minimum soil disturbance, diversified crop rotations, and cover cropping in mitigating weed pressure. Key strategies, such as ecological management of weed-crop competition and oversight of the seedbank and soil nutrients, are examined in-depth. While acknowledging the merits of CA, the chapter addresses challenges, including increase in weed abundance, shifts in weed diversity, and introduction of invasive species. The conclusion of the chapter directs attention to understanding the vulnerabilities of weeds within the CA system and proposes management practices to effectively address these challenges.



DOI: 10.19103/AS.2024.0145.01
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Table of contents
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Weed density and species shifts under Conservation Agriculture
  • 3 Seedbank dynamics
  • 4 Implications for ecological weed management
  • 5 Conservation Agriculture techniques and weed management
  • 6 Ecological mitigation of weed crop competition
  • 7 Management of seedbank and soil nutrients
  • 8 Conclusion
  • 9 Where to look for further information
  • 10 References

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