Soil Management – Italian rye-grass

Control of Italian rye-grass

Weed development is more prevalent in soils with high organic or residual Nitrogen, that have sufficient clay content to form a fine aggregated tilth. Delaying any soil movement after harvest can promote the rapid germination and establishment of seedlings, avoiding seed burial and secondary dormancy or prolonged emergence. Once the initial weed flush has been controlled, shallow soil disturbance can trigger weed and volunteer germination, making stale seedbed techniques more effective.

The application and incorporation of organic materials such as manures, composts and digestates, and any soil disturbance associated with the establishment of cover crops, could be delayed until after the initial post-harvest flush of weeds has been controlled.

While delaying soil management operations can enhance weed control, delaying the establishment of the following crop can have associated yield penalties. Nutritional seed treatments, the application of placement, or starter, fertilisers and the inclusion of nutrients such as Phosphorous in early foliar treatments can be help to minimise this.