Project Abstract
Glyphosate resistance in kochia populations is a growing problem, with over 50% of strains carrying resistance. This study looks at site-specific patch management in an effort to reduce and/or control local populations.
Focusing on the farm-level allows for a targeted approach that takes into consideration the specific qualities of each site such as soil texture, salinity, etc. In addition to site specific management, this study has the aim to use practices that are both economically viable for the farmer, and environmentally sustainable and ideal.
Three research fields with significant kochia patches have been identified. Maps of crop yield, drone imagery, soil conductivity have been collected for each field. These data layers are used to determine where kochia patches are located, which is then verified with ground-truth data collection. Site-specific management strategies are then deployed to manage kochia patches using effective herbicides only where they are required.
Project Details
Timeline:
2019-2023
Principal Investigator:
Ken Coles Farming Smarter
Project Contact:
Lewis Baarda
Funded By:
CAP (75%), Farming Smarter (25%), FMC
Project Objectives
To use various tools to map kochia growth zones in a field over several years.
To use the most environmentally ideal and sustainable techniques to control kochia patches.
To evaluate different methods of kochia management based on specific field conditions.
Methods
Locations
Treatments
Zones of kochia infestation are identified by the use of soil mapping and remote sensing tools.
Additional risks such as field edges, oil leases, saline patches, neighbours, etc. are identified.
Zone specific herbicide is applied using multiple modes of action and with the least amount of herbicide possible.
Quantitative weed biomass and weed ratings are conducted at several points in the growing season.
Alternative management strategies such as tillage, mowing, increased seeding rates, salt tolerant cover crops, etc. are evaluated for the zone and potentially used.
Measurements
Weed counts conducted in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Weed biomass in kochia heavy zones after herbicide application.
Kochia sample collection for resistance testing.
Aerial Imagery collection and analysis.
Building and refining kochia zone maps.
Herbicide application.