Vol. 15—1961 - NorthEastern Weed Science Society

RESULTSANDDISCUSSION:
The results ot the 1957 and 1958"experitnents showed the same general
trends. The 1958 data will be used to illustrate the results obtained.
The yield per acre and test weight ot oats for the 1958 season and the
forage yields (total for 2 harvests) for 1959 are shown in Table I.
A comparison of the yield data for oats and for forage illustrates one
of the problems:in obtaining accurate and reliable effects of weed competition
on crop growth under field conditions. ll1th the favorable· growing season and
ample moisture for crop growth during 1957 and 1958, the yield differences are
not significant. AlSO, with the excellent early canopy afforded by the rapidly
developing mustard plants J the legume stand was not injured by the herbicides
used. Actually, the disturbance to the soil and to the seedling legumes by
hand-weeding was as severe as the effect of weed competition. The yield of
oats and forage on the check plots averaged just as high as the chemically
weeded or hand-weeded plots.
Other fa.ctors of significance in this type of .l?tudy include: (1) the
new varieties of forage legumes having more rapid seedling establiShment,
vigor and growth which allow them to better compete for light, (2) generally
higher fertility levels Where nutrients are more generally sufficient for
establishment and (3) changes in seeding and management practices which favor
the crop being planted.
Note: A mimeographed copy of the complete paper 1s available
author.
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