Effect of Irrigation on Quackgrass (Agropyron repens) Interference in Soybeans (Glycine max)

Abstract

Research was conducted at Rosemount, Minnesota in 1979 and 1980 to evaluate the effect of soil moisture on quackgrass [Agropyron repens(L.) Beauv. # AGRRE] interference in soybeans [Glycine max(L.) Merr.]. Four treatments were studied: 1) nonirrigated soybeans, 2) irrigated soybeans, 3) nonirrigated soybeans, quackgrass-infested, and 4) irrigated soybeans, quackgrass-infested. Percent N, P, and K of soybeans was not affected by quackgrass interference. Irrigation did not increase the yield of quackgrass-free soybeans. The yield of quackgrass-infested soybeans was increased by irrigation when soil moisture was limited, but yields were always less than quackgrass-free soybeans. Quackgrass was nearly the same height or taller than the soybeans at all stages of soybean development and offered substantial competition for light throughout the growing season. This research indicates that an adequate supply of soil moisture can reduce quackgrass interference in soybeans, but cannot eliminate it, since quackgrass apparently continues to compete with soybeans for light.