Crop competition
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them.
We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. A competitive crop will suffer less yield loss at the hands of the weeds, and will also reduce seed set of the weeds compared to an un-competitive crop. In other words more crop, fewer weeds.
There are six main aspects of crop competition:
- Higher seeding rate
- Narrow row spacing
- Orientation of crop – a crop sown east – west will give your crop enough sunlight, and shade the furrows to starve weeds of sunlight
- Vigorous crop traits
- Soil health – give your crop the best chance by having healthy soil
- Time of sowing – early sowing is usually best
It’s hard to get all of the six points above right, and growers need not aspire to practising all six of these competition factors, but they can use a range of these practices to ensure that their crops have a fighting chance against the weeds.
You can learn more about crop competition in our Diversity Era course, Crop Competition 101.
Articles
View all
Case Study
Simon Burgess, Conara Tasmania
Reconfiguring paddocks for irrigation can bring up many issues related to previous management and land use, including weeds. Read More...
News
Stop ryegrass in its tracks: First step is to prevent seed set
Bec and Ash Marshall have seen the benefits of resistance testing and implementing tactics that drive down weed numbers fast. Read More...
Ask an Expert
How can I strengthen the pulse phase to combat weeds?
Many herbicide-tolerant pulse varieties are very specific in their tolerance to different active ingredients, even from the same mode of action group. Read More...
Ask an Expert
How can I use the WeedSmart Big 6 to keep old chemistry working?
Any herbicide program that relies heavily on one or two herbicide modes of action for a target weed is bound to fail eventually. Read More...
News
Caution required when retaining rain-affected seed
To avoid poor germination and low vigour crops, retain seed from fertile paddocks and avoid diseased, sprouted or weather-damaged grain. Read More...
Case Study
Michael Nichols, Sisters Creek, Tas
When herbicide resistant annual ryegrass arrived on their farm Michael Nichols knew he needed to prevent a ‘stop farming’ event. Read More...
News
Best seed, best establishment, fewer weeds
Sowing large canola seed, regardless of the cultivar, is key to strong early crop growth and the crop’s ability to compete with weeds. Read More...
Ask an Expert
How does crop competition support other weed control tactics?
Crop competition is a quiet achiever in weed control that also has a synergistic effect when applied with other tactics. Read More...
Ask an Expert
Can faba bean crops outcompete sowthistle?
Faba bean crops have the potential to significantly curb common sowthistle, a problematic weed with widespread resistance to key herbicides. Read More...
News
Australian grain growers tackle herbicide resistance
Australian grain growers are responding to the challenge of increasing herbicide resistance in weeds through the adoption of IWM practices. Read More...
Ask an Expert
How to beat barley grass in two years
Barley grass control requires a two-year, multi-pronged strategy using crop competition, herbicide-tolerant crops and effective in-crop herbicides. Read More...
News
Plan your attack on the weed seed bank
Here we summarise the key components of the WeedSmart Big 6 strategies and the principles that underpin them. Read More...
News
Ryegrass is adapted to a wide climatic range
Once considered a winter weed of southern cropping zones of Australia, annual ryegrass is being increasingly observed in more northerly districts and in summer crops in Victoria and South Australia. Read More...
Case Study
I’Anson Family Farms, Marrabel SA
Kym and Katie I’Anson are treating the serious soil constraints on their farms to grow more even crops and squeeze out the weeds. Read More...
News
Invest in the weak link crop to avoid weed blow-out
South Australian farmers, Kym and Katie I'Anson, have added multiple tactics to control ryegrass in wheat, their weakest link crop. Variable rate lime, gypsum and seed has increased crop competition and the double knock and impact mill keep the fields clean. Read More...
News
Double down on the double break in the high rainfall zone
A long-term trial at Lake Bolac demonstrated the strategies that control ryegrass in high rainfall zone cropping systems. Read More...
Ask an Expert
Can pulse cover crops tackle multi-resistant ryegrass in irrigated systems?
Field pea provides an effective winter fallow clean to manage resistant ryegrass ahead of planting rice or wheat. Read More...
Ask an Expert
Can multi-species planting provide effective weed control?
Some crops simply don’t have a competitive edge, but a multi-species planting might offer extra punch to smother weeds. Read More...
Case Study
Jamie and Susie Grant, Jimbour Qld
Proactive use of automated optical weed detection technology, allows continuous spraying and treating smaller and smaller weeds. Read More...
Case Study
Peter and Kylie Bach, Pittsworth Qld
Peter and Kylie Bach are using crops to compete with weeds throughout the year, aiming for 130% utilisation of their cropping land. Read More...
Ask an Expert
How can I set up my summer crops to help manage weeds?
It pays to plan ahead to manage weeds in winter fallows destined from summer crops – such as cotton, sorghum, mungbean and sunflower. Read More...
Ask an Expert
What strategies will rein in wild turnip in the northern region?
Wild turnip steals crop yield and requires additional control measures that together cost over $10 million every year across Australia. Read More...
News
Remove the fetters from crops and they’ll trample the weeds
Addressing soil constraints, such as low pH (and the associated aluminium toxicity), enables the crop to compete strongly with weeds. Read More...
Ask an Expert
How can I maximise grass weed control using hybrid canola?
For a competitive canola crop to halve grass weed seed set, use a vigorous variety, robust pre-em herbicide and the best agronomic package. Read More...
Case Study
Single family, Coonamble NSW
The Singles gain good weed control year round using crops and fallow in both winter and summer on their farm near Coonamble. Read More...
Case Study
Jason Rogers, Moree NSW
Keeping weed numbers down, managing patches and minimising weed seed set has been a high priority for Jason Rogers, Moree. Read More...
Case Study
Andrew Kenny, Badgingarra WA
Andrew and Gina Kenny (Badgingarra, WA) use an integrated program of crop rotation, mouldboard ploughing, grazing and chaff lining to keep their weed numbers low. Read More...
Article
Crop competition – give your crops the edge
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Article
Spray drift & crop competition
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Ask an Expert
Does delayed sowing help manage weed populations?
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Case Study
Stephen and Michelle Hatty, Matong NSW
The Hatty family uses a double break crop sequence strategy of a pulse then canola, followed by wheat then barley to put firm downward pressure on the weed seed bank. Read More...
Case Study
Tim Rethus, Horsham Vic
Wimmera grower Tim Rethus and his family are taking an integrated approach to the weed management with a strong focus on weed-free crops. Read More...
Ask an Expert
What’s the best way to out-compete resistant annual ryegrass in cereals?
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
News
Creating stiff competition against summer weeds
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Case Study
Krui Pastoral Co, Condamine, Qld
Jake has been working hard to keep on top of herbicide resistance in summer growing species including barnyard grass, liverseed grass, button grass and feathertop Rhodes grass. Read More...
Case Study
Bruce family, Alford SA
Harvest weed seed control helps bring down grass weed numbers in the Bruce brothers' continuous cropping business. Read More...
Case Study
Edwards family, Port Broughton SA
Pete Edwards is doing everything in his power to stop herbicide resistance in brome grass and wild radish. Read More...
News
Getting the edge on brome grass on non-wetting soils
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
News
Winter pulses can compete, even without herbicide
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Ask an Expert
What is the critical period for weed control?
Once a crop has passed the critical period for weed control, the crop should out-compete any new weed germinations. Read More...
News
3-year strategy for sustainable brome grass management
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Ask an Expert
Is it possible to apply additional competition to inter-row weeds?
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Ask an Expert
Stewardship of synthetic auxin herbicides
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
News
Zero row spacing could take crop competition to a new level
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Case Study
Gary Lang – Wickepin, WA
Sowing early also means the Langs can make use of trifluralin to provide pre-emergent weed control until the crop canopy closes. Read More...
Case Study
Michael and Marnie Fels, WA
Mic and Marnie Fels use a wider range of ‘older’ off-patent herbicides, which helps keep herbicide costs to a minimum. Read More...
News
Ramp up the competition in summer crops
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Case Study
Kohlhagen Family, NSW
The Kohlhagens have developed and implemented a comprehensive weed management program for their 100 per cent cropping operation in southern NSW. Read More...
News
Why consider sowing east-west?
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Case Study
News
Making clean seed your business
Grading and cleaning seed for planting removes weed seeds and selects the largest seeds with high vigour to out-compete weeds next season. Read More...
Case Study
Mark Sandow, SA
Herbicide-resistant annual ryegrass has been an ongoing challenge for grain producers in the Mintaro area of South Australia since the 1980s. Read More...
Case Study
Colin McAlpine, WA
Colin has thrown everything he can at reducing the weed burden on his farm while taking all precautions to protect the available herbicide modes of action. Read More...
Podcasts
View all
Podcast
S07E15: Faba beans pack a punch against sowthistle
Dr Michael Widderick explains what gives faba beans the competitive edge when it comes to out-competing sowthistle. Read More...
Podcast
S07E03: Longer coleoptile wheat protects seedlings from herbicide damage
Wheat with a longer coleoptile offers some unique crop protection benefits. A weeds trial, which shows a triple threat strategy rather than traditional methods, could produce the best weed control results in the Southern region. Read More...
Podcast
S06E08: Innovative northern grower shares wins and Roundup Ready Xtend stewardship
Hear from Northern Grower Bruce Watson on his weed control wins and learn about the stewardship of Bayer's Xtend technology. Read More...
Podcast
S06E04: Narrower sorghum rows can halve weed seed production
Dr Michael Widderick joins us to explain research which found that narrower row spacing in sorghum leads fewer weeds. Read More...
Podcast
Weather forecast accuracy and crop competition trial results
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Podcast
Disc seeding systems
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Case Studies
View all
Case Study
Simon Burgess, Conara Tasmania
Reconfiguring paddocks for irrigation can bring up many issues related to previous management and land use, including weeds. Read More...
Case Study
Michael Nichols, Sisters Creek, Tas
When herbicide resistant annual ryegrass arrived on their farm Michael Nichols knew he needed to prevent a ‘stop farming’ event. Read More...
Case Study
I’Anson Family Farms, Marrabel SA
Kym and Katie I’Anson are treating the serious soil constraints on their farms to grow more even crops and squeeze out the weeds. Read More...
Case Study
Jamie and Susie Grant, Jimbour Qld
Proactive use of automated optical weed detection technology, allows continuous spraying and treating smaller and smaller weeds. Read More...
Case Study
Peter and Kylie Bach, Pittsworth Qld
Peter and Kylie Bach are using crops to compete with weeds throughout the year, aiming for 130% utilisation of their cropping land. Read More...
Case Study
Single family, Coonamble NSW
The Singles gain good weed control year round using crops and fallow in both winter and summer on their farm near Coonamble. Read More...
Case Study
Jason Rogers, Moree NSW
Keeping weed numbers down, managing patches and minimising weed seed set has been a high priority for Jason Rogers, Moree. Read More...
Case Study
Andrew Kenny, Badgingarra WA
Andrew and Gina Kenny (Badgingarra, WA) use an integrated program of crop rotation, mouldboard ploughing, grazing and chaff lining to keep their weed numbers low. Read More...
Case Study
Stephen and Michelle Hatty, Matong NSW
The Hatty family uses a double break crop sequence strategy of a pulse then canola, followed by wheat then barley to put firm downward pressure on the weed seed bank. Read More...
Case Study
Tim Rethus, Horsham Vic
Wimmera grower Tim Rethus and his family are taking an integrated approach to the weed management with a strong focus on weed-free crops. Read More...
Case Study
Krui Pastoral Co, Condamine, Qld
Jake has been working hard to keep on top of herbicide resistance in summer growing species including barnyard grass, liverseed grass, button grass and feathertop Rhodes grass. Read More...
Case Study
Bruce family, Alford SA
Harvest weed seed control helps bring down grass weed numbers in the Bruce brothers' continuous cropping business. Read More...
Case Study
Edwards family, Port Broughton SA
Pete Edwards is doing everything in his power to stop herbicide resistance in brome grass and wild radish. Read More...
Case Study
Gary Lang – Wickepin, WA
Sowing early also means the Langs can make use of trifluralin to provide pre-emergent weed control until the crop canopy closes. Read More...
Case Study
Michael and Marnie Fels, WA
Mic and Marnie Fels use a wider range of ‘older’ off-patent herbicides, which helps keep herbicide costs to a minimum. Read More...
Case Study
Kohlhagen Family, NSW
The Kohlhagens have developed and implemented a comprehensive weed management program for their 100 per cent cropping operation in southern NSW. Read More...
Case Study
News
Making clean seed your business
Grading and cleaning seed for planting removes weed seeds and selects the largest seeds with high vigour to out-compete weeds next season. Read More...
Case Study
Mark Sandow, SA
Herbicide-resistant annual ryegrass has been an ongoing challenge for grain producers in the Mintaro area of South Australia since the 1980s. Read More...
Case Study
Colin McAlpine, WA
Colin has thrown everything he can at reducing the weed burden on his farm while taking all precautions to protect the available herbicide modes of action. Read More...
Videos
View all
Webinar
How faba beans pack a punch against sowthistle
Research shows there are opportunities to alter the agronomy of faba beans to suppress sowthistle growth and seed production in crop. Read More...
Video
Season long control with crop competition
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Video
Farming moisture : Beating weeds
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Video
Soil health produces more crop, less weeds
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Video
Rod Birch on how the Big 6 is keeping weeds at bay at Catalina Farms
Rod Birch (Coorow, WA) gives an overview of what Big 6 principles are working for them. He also explas how they're approaching weed control at new property acquisition, 'Koobabbie', which hadn't changed hands for 115 years. Read More...
Video
WeedSmart Week Forum Day Videos
Watch all the videos from our Esperance WeedSmart Week Forum Day! Read More...
Webinar
What’s next in the North for weed control?
Agronomists Peter McKenzie and Angus Dalgliesh discuss the weed control tactics their clients have been using to deal with their weed challenges. Read More...
Webinar
Ryegrass management in the High Rainfall Zone – What have we learnt?
Join Dr Chris Preston (University of Adelaide) and James Manson (Southern Farming Systems) as they discuss how the WeedSmart’s Big 6 strategies are best utilised to combat annual ryegrass in the High Rainfall Zone of South Eastern Australia. Read More...
Webinar
Handling weeds in a strip and disc system
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Webinar
You don’t know what you don’t know about managing weeds
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...
Webinar
WeedSmart in HRZ – practical options for dealing with ryegrass
Help your crops win the war against weeds by increasing their competitiveness against them. We don’t want to give the weeds a free kick by growing un-competitive crops. Crop competition with weeds is a double-edged sword. There is the effect of the weeds on the crop, and the effect of the crop on the weeds. […]...