Summary
This three-year field trial examined weed populations and seedbanks in faba bean under five contrasting tillage regimes (deep and shallow ploughing, deep chiselling, shallow disking, and no-tillage). Contrary to expectations, reducing tillage intensity did not significantly increase in-season weed numbers; instead, seasonal climate variables (temperature and precipitation) were the dominant drivers. However, reduced-tillage and no-tillage soils accumulated substantially higher weed seedbanks (+21–43% relative to deep ploughing), suggesting potential future weed pressure risks even when current-season populations remain moderate.
UK applicability
These findings are moderately applicable to UK faba bean production, particularly in temperate maritime climates where precipitation variability is high. The demonstration that no-tillage does not necessarily increase immediate weed pressure may encourage adoption of conservation agriculture; however, UK growers should account for the persistent seedbank burden in long-term no-till systems, requiring adapted herbicide or non-chemical weed management strategies.
Key measures
Total weed number, weed species diversity, weed biomass (g m−2), weed seedbank density (seeds m−2), correlation with air temperature and precipitation, forecrop residue volume
Outcomes reported
The study quantified weed diversity, abundance, biomass, and soil seedbank composition across five tillage intensities in faba bean cultivation over three growing seasons. Results showed that reduced-tillage and no-tillage systems accumulated higher weed seedbanks than conventional deep ploughing, whilst total weed numbers were primarily driven by climate rather than tillage method.
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