Effect of conservation tillage on weeds in a rotation system on the Loess Plateau of eastern Gansu, Northwest China
Zhao, Y.-x.; Lu, J.-y.; Yang, H.-m.
Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao 26(4): 1223-1230
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 1001-9332 PMID: 26259467 Document Number: 679639
A field study was conducted to investigate the influences of no-tillage, stubble retention and crop type on weed density, species composition and community feature in a rotation system (winter wheat-common vetch-maize) established 12 years ago on the Loess Plateau of eastern Gansu. This study showed that the weed species composition, density and community feature varied with the change of crop phases. No-tillage practice increased the weed density at maize phase, while rotation with common vetch decreased the density in the no-tillage field. Stubble retention reduced the weed density under maize phase and the lowest density was observed in the no-tillage plus stubble retention field. No-tillage practice significantly increased the weed species diversity under winter wheat phase and decreased the diversity under common vetch phase. At maize phase, a greater species diversity index was observed in the no-tillage field. These results suggested that no-tillage practice and stubble retention possibly suppress specific weeds with the presence of some crops and crop rotation is a vital way to controlling weeds in a farming system.