Project Abstract

Pulse crops offer a myriad of benefits to soil and following crops when included in crop rotations. However, they are significantly negatively impacted by weed competition yet weed control remains a challenge in the Prairies. This study enlists researchers across the Prairies to overcome that challenge and identify successful weed management strategies for pulse growers in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba.

There is a considerable focus on kochia in this collaborative study, as it continues to be a formidable opponent growers face even beyond fields of pulse crops. Our contribution will include the creation of a framework for successful multi-factor kochia management programs in pulses; identifying valuable candidates for herbicidal weed control, demonstrating effective kochia control systems in saline areas, and determining the impact of mowing on kochia seed production and seedbed inputs.

The final step of this study is to prepare economic evaluations to provide farmers with practices they know will work and won't drain the bank.

Methodology - Determine effect of weed control systems on kochia in saline patches

The objective of this trial is to evaluate optimized weed control treatments for kochia in established saline patches.

Methodology - Soil applied herbicide layering in saline vs. non-saline soils for herbicide resistant kochia control

The objective of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of layered soil applied herbicides for kochia control in both saline and non-saline soils, determine crop tolerance to layered soil applied herbicides, determine if herbicide management strategies should vary depending on soil salinity, and determine if kochia populations are reduced following dual herbicide layering applications.

Methodology - Timing of mowing kochia to reduce seed production and seedbank inputs

The objective of this trial is to determine the impact of mowing timing and number on kochia seed production and seedbank inputs.