Weeds pose a substantial challenge to soybean production, competing with crops for essential resources like light, water, and nutrients, and causing significant yield losses. Even minimal early-season weed pressure can reduce yields considerably, making effective weed management crucial for maintaining high yields and quality. However, the heavy reliance on chemical herbicides has led to the emergence of herbicide-resistant (HR) weeds, raising concerns about increased HR populations in the future. This issue is present regardless of herbicide technology being used, creating a strong need for sustainable, integrated weed management practices across systems.
Research has shown that certain agronomic practices, such as adjusting planting times, row spacing, selecting competitive plant traits (e.g., erect vs. bushy types), and using cover crops, can positively affect soybean production and weed suppression. Early planting can give soybeans a competitive edge over weeds, while later planting may help avoid early weed flushes. Optimizing planting density through row spacing and choosing varieties that close the canopy quickly can improve weed suppression and yield.
This research investigates how these agronomic practices interact to develop sustainable weed management approaches that can expand soybean production in North Dakota.
Through this work, we aim to offer practical, eco-friendly solutions that support both crop productivity and environmental health.