Suitability and efficacy of chaff lining for weed control in western Canada

The Challenge

With higher occurrence of herbicide resistant weeds, easily implemented and effective non-chemical weed control methods are needed.

The Project

Assess weed seed collection and movement from the chaff while evaluating the effects of chaff lines of soil fertility and crop/weed emergence.

The Results

Weed emergence and crop emergence where crop seeding rows intersected the chaff lines were reduced. Weed seed viability was not reduced after overwintering under the chaff line, but in most cases increased compared to overwintering on bare ground. Chaff lining, which appears to be primarily a physical mechanism to block, may be most effective on small, seeded broadleaves but less effective on larger, seeded weeds. There is some evidence that nutrients can be concentrated under the chaff lines, but it was highly inconsistent between sites and requires further investigation.

This study demonstrated that while chaff lining can reduce weed emergence, it does not reduce weed seed viability, can impact crop emergence, and efficacy is dependent on the amount of chaff produced.

Grower Benefits

Further investigation into harvest weed seed control will give farmers the tools for maximal control of weeds, saving costs on herbicides and promoting a healthy crop.