This Farmnote is one of a series on crop establishment practices which minimise soil disturbance and improve stubble retention. In partnership with primary producers, Agriculture Western Australia is focussed on improved and profitable farming which conserves or improves the quality of the State's soil resources.
Crops sown using no-tillage rely primarily on herbicides and competition to kill weeds.
There is little or no weed control from the minimal cultivation that results, but farmer experience suggests there are many less weeds that establish, particularly in the inter-row areas. Furthermore, the no-till system reduces the performance of some herbicides and modifies the use of others. The choice of herbicide, application rate and time of application requires careful attention. This Farmnote focuses on herbicides which act through the soil. When used in no-tillage, these herbicides remain on the soil surface or with a light covering of thrown soil, which may affect their performance.