Tensiometer management must be adjusted to individual soil and crop conditions and cultural practices. Soil around the seedling root system must not be allowed to dry out. Subsequent irrigations are scheduled to prevent the SMT at the 12-inch depth from reaching as high as 30 centibars. Again, this usually means irrigating whenever the SMT is over 20 centibars or higher in the morning of a clear day. Excessive soil moisture favors Blackleg, Rhizoctonia disease and enlarged lenticels.
Furrow watering every other bed prevents excessive soil moisture conditions in clay loam soils.
Cultivation Cultivation is necessary only for incorporating herbicides, forming a hill 6 to 8 inches high over the seed piece and 12 inches wide on the top, or breaking up a crusted condition of the bed surface. The first bedding is best done when the plant tops are at least 4 to 6 inches above the soil surface. Weed Control Weeds emerging after the last cultivation often are a serious problem because they reduce the efficiency of mechanical harvesting. Most annual weeds and grasses can be controlled by applying recommended herbicides before planting or during the early growth stages. Dual herbicide is a widely used, broad spectrum herbicide which controls broadleaf and grass weeds in addition to yellow nutsedge.