New report shows importance of careful rotation in reducing weed problems

Tomatoes experience less weed competition when preceded by a competitive, weed-shading crop such as soybeans, finds a new study by Weed Ecology. Soybeans form a dense canopy which reduces weed seed germination, preventing any increases in the weed seed bank and giving a head start to tomato plants and other crops whose leaves are less effective in blocking sunlight to potential weeds. This illustrates the importance of working more competitive, broadleaved crops into rotation with less competitive crops. Entire study: Comparison of Threshold Strategies in Tomatoes and Soybean (2008, Vol. 22(4):729-735)