Tillage is an important weed control tool in organic farming systems. However, tillage can reduce soil quality and impact cropping systems negatively. Past research indicated that cover crops can create a weed-suppressive mulch when killed mechanically but without tillage. This concept has been combined with emerging technologies to develop different strategies for suppressing weeds and other pests that do not rely on tillage. Important efforts to eliminate tillage within organic cropping systems across North America will be presented, with particular focus on northeastern, north central, southern, and western regions in the USA. Obstacles preventing the widespread adoption of organic zero-till, along with possible solutions, will be discussed by a diverse group of presenters during the symposium.

A12 Organic Management Systems (Provisional)