Cultivation in rows – cereals with catch crops

The biggest challenge for achieving higher and more stable yields in organic plant breeding is linked to adequate nitrogen supply and the management of aggressive weeds. The RowCrop project has developed a row cultivation system with cereals and catch crops that enable weed control in rows of both crops. The cultivation system is composed of three elements: 1. Weed control in the rows of grain sown at 25 cm row spacing 2. Establishment of nitrogen fixing crops in between the rows at the last weed control 3. Weed control in the crop rows after harvest, in order to control perennial weeds. Weed control in the row in the main crop gives increased yield when: • The yield potential in the field is high • Weed pressure is high • Weed control in the row is done in on time Successful weed control in the stubble requires: • Dry weather during and after weed control in the row • Precise control of the weed control implement • Catch crops that are getting started well • Limited amount of straw and stubble residue