Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Integrated soil and weed management production systems for perennial food crops

Project ID: E2006-02

Abstract

Several alternative weed management tactics for strawberry and grape production were tested for their effects on weed control, crop yield and soil quality enhancement.

Key Question: Can Iowa fruit growers use alternative weed management practices to control weeds and, at the same time, maintain crop yield and fruit quality while conserving soil resources?

Findings: Alternative weed management practices reduce herbicide use, which compromises sustainablility due to negative environmental impacts. These practices can be used by Iowa grape and strawberry growers to control weeds while maintaining crop yields, fruit quality and soil quality.

Lead investigator: Gail Nonnecke, ISU Horticulture, et al

Year of grant completion: 2010

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Ecology Initiative.

Topics: Biocontrol and Integrated Pest Management, Farming systems, Soils and agronomy, Weed control alternatives (not GMOs)