The Rotational Benefits of Forages: Pests Forages can suppress weeds Forages can break insect and disease cycles

Glyphosate resistant ryegrass in Australia A good reason to look for weed control alternatives

1992 Forage Survey - 83% said weed control benefits after alfalfa for one (11%),two (50%), and three (33%) years after forage

Note - no wild oat or cleavers

Weeds in commercial fields: As affected by crop rotation Ominski et al. (1999) Plants per square meter

Weeds in commercial fields: As affected by crop rotation Ominski et al. (1999) Plants per square meter

Weeds in commercial fields: As affected by crop rotation Ominski et al. (1999) Plants per square meter

Alfalfa is effective at reducing Canada thistle populations. Thistle plants struggle to compete for light under alfalfa. They become spindly and have weak roots. When alfalfa is cut, potential for seed set is removed.

Flax, the 8th organic crop in Few weeds after alfalfa

Wheat After Wheat, no herbicide

Wheat After Triticale silage, no herbicide

Single year forages controlled wild oat as well as herbicide

Less green foxtail after single year forage, especially under zero tillage.

Spring seeded winter cereal - grazed Cereal silage Intercrop - silage, then graze Warm season - silage Fall rye - grain Alfalfa (1 year) - hay Double crop - sweet clover, triticale Annual Forage Options

In one experiment, best annual forage system had combination of crops - eg. Winter and spring triticale intercrop Spring triticale was silaged, winter triticale regrew and was grazed.

Cruciferae eaters Alfalfa rot’n S clover Grain rot’n Few weeds after alfalfa

The presence of forage in the rotation can break insect and disease cycles in some cases. Examples:

Close browser to return to website