Data collected from multi-factor studies, where integration of disciplines such as agronomy, weed and disease management and breeding, will be presented to provide some discussion on the integration of technologies. These studies are very complex to understand, when numerous interactions occur, consequently, it is difficult to make recommendations compared to single-factor studies. However, as margins become slimmer in primary production the understanding of an ecosystem can provide insight into utilizing cost-effective farm inputs and may possibly provide answers to reducing inputs that are perceived to be harmful to the environment. Factors that can be combined include competitive crop stands that impact on weed and disease management. Varietal differences can have a profound effect on the competitiveness of the growing plant in the field.
Herbicides appear to work better when combined with competitive crops.
However, plant diseases may become more prevalent under such circumstances. The impacts of these strategies on weed and disease management need to be determined by eco-zone. Technologies such as fertilizer rate and placement, herbicide rate and timing, fungicides and agricultural equipment require strategies that produce the greatest potential benefits in the companion technologies required to grow a crop. Operational diversity is another tool that may be used to provide the greatest potential benefits from a technology. Seeding date effects on crops contributes to the diversity of timing of herbicides and fungicides.