Effect of tillage and<i>Zea mays</i>on<i>Chenopodium album</i>seedling emergence and density

Abstract

We studied the effect of tillage systems (no-till, chisel, and moldboard plow) and the presence or absence of Zea mays L. (corn) on soil temperature, moisture, and, subsequently, the emergence phenology and density of Chenopodium album L. (common lambsquarters) at two sites (Elora and Woodstock) from 1993 to 1995. The tillage system affected the phenology of C. album seedling emergence only in 1995. In that year, more days were required to reach 80% cumulative seedling emergence in no-till than in the chisel or moldboard plow treatments. The delay in obtaining 80% cumulative emergence was attributed to a dry period from days 159 to 177 at Elora and from days 155 and 176 at Woodstock. The presence or absence of Z. mays did not affect soil temperatures, soil moisture, or C. album seedling emergence phenologies. Chenopodium album seedling density was influenced by tillage and environmental conditions. Large variations in seedling density were attributed to environmental conditions. The presence or absence of Z. mays did not affect C. album seedling density.