Effect of Postplant Tillage and Crop Density on Broadleaf Weed Control in Dry Pea (Pisum sativum) and Lentil (Lens culinaris)

Abstract

Increased crop densities and postplant tillage were evaluated as nonchemical methods to supplement metribuzin for improved broadleaf weed control in dry pea and lentil. The effects of 50, 100, and 150% of recommended 220 kg/ha pea and 67 kg/ha lentil seeding rates and two dates of rotary hoeing and harrowing on pea, lentil, and broadleaf weeds were studied with and without metribuzin for two years. Under favorable growing conditions, crop competition gave 72 and 99% weed control in pea and 33 and 70% weed control in lentil with the 50 and 150% seeding rates. Under less favorable conditions, control was 21 to 39% with the low and high pea and lentil seeding rates. At recommended seeding rates, metribuzin gave greater than 90% control in either crop or year. Postplant tillage 12 to 27 d after planting slightly reduced crop densities in three tillage treatments in one year, but not the second. Postplant tillage did not affect crop yield or improve weed control. In all studies, pea was similar to or more competitive than lentil in suppressing broadleaf weeds. Because neither non-chemical practice significantly improves weed control, changes are not recommended for weed management in pea and lentil.