Some important aspects of weed biology and control under no tillage are described to show that the viability of this system depends on weed control efficiently performed. Some of the weeds infesting this cropping system are present in much greater density under the conventional system, this being probably due to the little soil disturbance under no tillage systems, where the occurrence of perennial weeds is more feasible, and changes in the temperature and light incidence on the soil surface influence dormancy of some weed species. Adequate strategy for weed control under the no tillage system requires knowledge on weed seed bank dynamics and must integrate methods of weed control in order to reduce the use of herbicides. The release of alellopathic compounds by some of the cover crops and the suppressive effects of crop residue cover are important measures in order to integrate the chemical control of weeds. However, it is important to be aware of the negative impacts over certain cultivated species of plants. Studies on weed biology and alellopathy of cover crops, associated to herbicide application technology and precision agriculture may contribute to weed control optimization in areas under no tillage system.
direct seeding; weed seed bank; crop residue; glyphosate
