Weed seed bank density and composition in a tillage and landscape variability study

Research has shown that weed communities are influenced by many factors including cropping systems, tillage practices, and geographical landscape. Evaluating response of the weed seed bank to varying agricultural practices and landscape positions can lead to better site-specific weed control strategies. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate cropping and landscape affects on weed seed bank composition and density. Soil samples were collected from an established experiment located at the E.V. Smith Research and Extension Center near Shorter, AL. The treatment design was a factorial arrangement of two tillage systems (conventional and no-till), two manure (with and without), and three landscape positions, in a corn (Zea mays L.) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) rotation. A greenhouse study was conducted using soil samples from the experiment to identify weed seedlings from each treatment. Results from this experiment indicate that the inclusion of high residue cover crops into a conservation tillage system can reduce weed seed within the upper 7.6 cm of the soil seed bank.