Organic Cropping Systems do not Increase Weed Seed Numbers but do Increase Weed Diversity

Abstract

The influence of different cropping systems on the soil weed seed bank after the first crop rotation within a five-field crop rotation (barley undersown with red clover, red clover, winter wheat, pea, potato) in three organic (Org) and in two conventional (Conv) cropping systems was investigated. In organic systems Org I and Org II cover crops were incorporated as a source of nutrient inputs to the soil and in Org II composted cattle manure was also applied. The Org 0 acted as the organic control system without cover crops and manure. The two conventional cropping systems were treated with herbicides and fungicides and differed in fertilizer application (i.e. Conv I no fertilizer use (as control) and Conv II mineral fertilizer use). In general, the lowest number of annual weed seeds was found in system Conv I, the highest in Conv II. In organic systems with cover crops (Org I, II) there was a strong tendency for decreased weed seed numbers and increased biodiversity. The highest values of the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Margalef richness index were in Org II system. In all systems the most abundant species in weed seed banks were Chenopodium album L. and Viola arvensis Murr.