The influence of strip intercropping systems on weed infestation in spring wheat

Abstract

The experiment was conducted in 2004–2006, on a farm located in Frankamionka village, near Zamość. The experimental field was located on the soil with silty dust grain the composition, light acid, with an average content of the organic matter. The subject of the study were weeds in spring wheat canopy, “Helia” cultivars. The scheme of the study included two factors: I. methods of cropping – sole cropping and strip cropping systems; II – level of tending – mechanical, mechanical-chemical and chemical. Weed infestation of wheat was analysed two weeks prior the harvest analyzing species composition, weed density and aboveground air dry mater weight. It was proved that strip cropping system decreased the density and weight of weeds, but increased the number of weed species in a wheat canopy. The mechanical tending caused the highest weed infestation, while mechanical-chemical and chemical methods visibly decreased the weeds in a canopy of wheat. Galinsoga parviflora, Chenopodium album and Echinochloa crus-galli were the dominant taxons.