Roundup or tillage may be used. For many western Nebraska winter wheat producers, crop rotation is not currently an attractive option. Therefore, they must improve control of volunteer rye during the fallow period. Factors to consider in selecting treatments include soil erosion from wind and water, equipment availability, the farm program, and farm program residue requirements. Good weed management programs require seed to germinate during the fallow period.
Germination requires good seed-soil contact.
Therefore, crop residue distribution is very important. Straw choppers on combines with straw walkers help spread the straw and make it easier to get good seed-soil contact later. Rotary combines break up the straw so choppers are not usually needed. It is very important to spread the fines or chaff. Volunteer rye will be spread with the fines, allowing for good seed-soil contact with subsequent tillage.