Impact of non-chemical weed control systems on weediness of organically grown sugar beet crop

Abstract

The investigations were carried out in 2015 at Aleksandras Stulginskis University Experimental Station. The aim - to evaluate the non-chemical weed control systems on the sugar beet crop weediness in organic farming conditions. Were investigated sustainable non-chemical weed control systems: 1. Inter-row loosening (control treatment); 2. Inter-row cutting and mulching with weeds; 3. Inter-row cutting and mulching with the Persian clover; 4. Inter-row cutting and mulching with white mustard; 5. Inter-row cutting and mulching with spring barley; 6. Inter-row steaming. Crop weediness was assessed prior to each stage of weed control and at the end of the vegetation. There was found weed species composition, density and dry biomass. It is also estimated under crop plants dry biomass. The measurements were executed at each subtract time. In 2015, in dry weather situation, the sugar beets weakly competed with weeds, so the alternative weed control systems were ineffective. In the plots of control treatment weed density and biomass were generally lower than in other plots. In control plots during the vegetation of sugar beet, weeds accumulated 121.70 g m-2 of dry biomass, while in other plots - up to 2-3 times more. Less dry biomass of weeds was accumulated in interrows occupied with spring barley - up to 179.17 g m-2 because barley accumulated the highest biomass - 338.96 g m-2