Back
Inter-row cultivation - Mechanical control of weeds in soybean crops
Problem
Young soybean crops are vulnerable to weed competition, especially if spring weather is cool.
Solution
Inter-row cultivation is one of the practices used to tip the balance in the competition between the crop and weeds, in favour of the soybean.
Description
Inter-row cultivation provides many benefits, like supressing weeds between rows, loosening the soil surface, improving soil aeration, reducing water evaporation, and positively effecting microorganisms and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. All of these positive effects can result in an increase in crop yield and quality. This practice note produced within the Legumes Translated project provides detailed information on when and how to cultivate, how it impacts yield and biological activity, and the most important things to consider.
The tool is not specific to organic farming, it is applicable for all soybean farmers.