Generally, under good conditions, cultivation can provide immediate weed control of 70 to 80 percent. But, because there is no residual effect, if growing conditions are good, weed control later in the season may fall to between 50 to 60 percent. Conditions needed to cultivate Timing is important. Small weeds lack deep, extensive root systems and are easier to manage with the cultivator than larger, established weeds. Therefore, cultivating is most effective when done early.
Grasses are also difficult to manage with cultivation because of their fibrous root systems.
Cultivating in wet soil allows weeds to reroot and keep growing but may promote soil surface compaction. When a soil crust has formed, very little soil evaporation occurs at the soil surface. Therefore, cultivation disturbs the soil's surface and enhances evaporation and soil moisture loss. The extent to which such moisture loss affects crops also depends on soil moisture status at depths below approximately 3 inches. Other impacts of cultivation Cultivation also may damage plants, particularly their root systems.