Strategies of weed control in organic farming

Objective

The aim of the proposal is to optimise weed control in Organic Farming with the emphasis on how to grow winter wheat while aiding weed suppression by indirect measures of weed control rather than relying further on the development of physical weed control techniques. A core programme will focus on morphological features, row width and sowing direction, all of which influence the competitive ability for light. The efficiency of further weed control measures such as photocontrol, allelopathic effects etc. will be studied in field and laboratory trials. The elaborated strategies will be integrated in a decision support system that will be checked and demonstrated on pilot farms. It is attended that optimal site specific combination of weed control measures derived from the decision support system can significantly reduce the need for mechanical control thus saving fossile energy. Impacts on economics as well as EU policy will be analysed.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-5. - Key action Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

RHEINISCHE FRIEDRICH-WILHELMS-UNIVERSITAET BONN

Address

Katzenburgweg 3
53115 Bonn
Germany

Participants (4)

INSTITUTO MADRILENO DE INVESTIGACION AGRARIA Y ALIMENTARIA

Spain

Address

Ctra. N Ii, Km 38, 2000
28800 Alcala De Henares

THE SCOTTISH AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

United Kingdom

Address

Bush Estate
EH26 0PH Penicuik

UNIVERSITA POLITECNICA DELLE MARCHE

Italy

Address

Via Delle Brecce Bianche
60131 Ancona

WARSAW AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

Poland

Address

Nowoursynowska 166
02 787 Warszawa