Weed Management in organic dryland spring wheat

Organic grain production in Washington State was limited to less than 2500 acres as of 2001, and has not been well represented in the university research system. This lack of attention by both growers and researchers has resulted in a serious knowledge gap, with no good guidelines available on how to manage weeds and other pests in these systems. Although weeds have been successfully managed in tillage-intensive organic wheat systems in the Palouse, such an approach leaves the soil prone to erosion by wind and water. Alternative approaches are needed that enable the organic management of weeds and conserve valuable soil resources. This research evaluated a rotary harrow prototype and a high residue rotary hoe for their potential to control weeds in high residue, conservation tillage systems. Crop variety tolerance to in-crop mechanical weed control was also evaluated.

Grant Information

  • Project ID: 002
  • Project Status: Complete

2003

  • Principal Investigator(s): Gallagher, R.
  • Grant Amount: $5,676

2004