Increased seeding rates effective weed control strategy

Research suggests that planting organic cover crops at higher seeding rates improves biomass production and suppresses weeds. Rye, legume and oat crops planted at higher seeding rates decreased weed biomass from 267 pounds per acre to less than 89 pounds per acre in California central coast fields.

Rye was planted using three seeding rates- 80 pounds per acre, 160 pounds per acre and 240 pounds per acre. Legume and oat plantings used seed densities of 100, 200 and 300 pounds per acre. The studied crops were examined for seeds planted in both grid patterns and in traditional rows.

The results show that organic producers can use the cost-effective strategy of increased seeding rates for weed control.

Full story: USDA