Effect of Cover Crop Mulches on Weed Emergence, Weed Biomass, and Soybean (Glycine max) Development

Abstract

Field studies were conducted in 1988/89 and 1989/90 at two locations to determine the effect of rye, wheat, and triticale cover crop mulches on weed emergence patterns, weed biomass, and soybean development. Redroot pigweed and common lambsquarters emergence patterns were not altered by mulches. Early in the season, mulches reduced weed biomass; however, the results were inconsistent between locations and years. Under weed-free conditions, the cover crop mulches had no detrimental effects on soybean development and yields were not different from bare soil controls.