1. Progress Towards No-till Organic Weed Control in Western Canada.

Organic agriculture in western Canada is reliant upon tillage to control weeds. Nevertheless tillage is an energy intensive operation which increases the risk of soil erosion. The objective of this presentation is to present and discuss western Canadian research that is attempting to reduce or eliminate tillage in organic production. A roller crimper (blade roller) has the potential to terminate green manure cover crops without the normal tillage operations, thus reducing erosion and conserving energy. In one study a roller crimper reduced crop and weed re-growth compared to tillage but was similar to mowing. Yield can be lower in subsequent crops grown on green manure crops terminated by roller crimping instead of tillage. A reduction in mineralization of green manure biomass probably leads to this yield reduction. Recent research indicates that many weed seedlings can be effectively controlled in-crop with a rotary hoe. This implement provides in-crop weed control even with high levels of crop residue under no-till conditions. A study has been initiated to terminate green manure crops with alternative implements such as a wide blade cultivator (noble blade) that can undercut plants with little to no soil inversion. Progress has been made toward reduction in tillage under organic conditions; however some tillage will probably always be necessary in certain phases of the crop rotation.