Combination of Herbicide Band Application and Inter-Row Cultivation Provides Sustainable Weed Control in Maize

Herbicides have facilitated weed management but their incorrect use can lead toenvironmental contamination. Reducing herbicide use by limiting their application to a band alongthe crop row can decrease their environmental impact. Three field experiments were conducted inNorth-eastern Italy to evaluate herbicide band application systems integrated with inter-rowhoeing for silage maize. Post-emergence herbicide band application (sprayed area 50% of totalfield; herbicide dose 50% of that recommended, application with an inter-row cultivator prototype)was compared with pre-emergence band application (sprayed area 33% of total field; herbicidedose 33% of that recommended, application with a seeder) and pre-emergence broadcastapplication (sprayed area 100% of total field; full recommended herbicide dose, application with aboom sprayer) that is standard management for maize. Weed density and composition wereevaluated before and after post-emergence herbicide application and at crop harvest. Crop yieldwas also recorded. Weed density in untreated areas ranged between 5 and 15 plants m in thedifferent experiments. Optimal weed control and good yields were achieved without significantdifferences between all treatments. Herbicide band application can provide optimal weed controlin silage maize, at the same time allowing a relevant reduction of herbicide input.