INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS ON WEED MANAGEMENT IN AGRONOMIC CROPPING SYSTEMS

Management practices that increase the competitive ability of crops with weeds are important components of integrated weed management systems. Weeds can greatly impact crop yield through direct competition for water, sunlight, and nutrient resources. Practices that affect one factor in a cropping system can impact others. Tillage practices can affect weed species composition, and weed species composition in turn can affect the critical period of weed control in a given crop (Halford et al. 2001). Understanding the impact tillage and cropping systems have on weed management will help in determining optimal crop production practices. It is important to understand the biology and growth characteristics of plant species that make them strong competitors with crops. While biology and ecology are common research areas, weed physiology is an often overlooked area of research in weed research. It is important to understand the effects that environmental factors have on the physiology of weedy species. Effective weed management programs that integrate all components of the production system including planting date, crop rotation, tillage regime, soil nutrient amendment application, and weed control measures. Sustainable weed management practices will be critical in the success of this emerging crop production area as weeds are one of the most limiting factors in establishing a healthy competitive crop, especially in perennial crop establishment and production (Fischer et al. 1988; Hall et al. 2004). Investigating weed species and their management in row crops and emerging bioenergy crops is important to the North Carolina State University mission to secure food and fiber, enhance profitability in agriculture, and providing environmental stewardship. Developing effective, economical, and environmentally sound weed management systems for North Carolina farmers will contribute to the fulfillment of the this mission.