Weed Control with Cover Crops in Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted near Oakes and Fargo, North Dakota from 2009-2010, and repeated near Carrington, North Dakota from 2010-2011, to evaluate weed control in both irrigated and non-irrigated potato production as influenced by cover crops and cover crop termination methods. Cover crop treatments at Oakes and Fargo were no cover crop, triticale, rye, turnip/radish, and rye/canola. Cover crop treatments at Carrington were no cover crop, triticale, rye, hairy vetch, and rye/hairy vetch. Termination treatments for the cover crops were roller-crimp, disk-till, roto-till, and herbicide. Cover crop residue was mostly sufficient for weed control at all locations. However, after two cultivations cover crops controlled weeds similar to no cover crop. Cover crop had no effect on potato marketable yield at the two locations. Results support the consideration of cover crops for potato production as a means of additional early-season weed control, especially when non-chemical weed control methods are desired.