Weed Control in Organic Soybean Field Using Cover Crop

In organic farming agriculture, integration of cover crop into cropping system is recommended to improve the soil quality, prevent soil erosion, and control weeds. The aim of this study was to control weeds in soybean fields by integration of cover crops such as hairy vetch and rye. Due to cover crop mulching, weeds occurrence and growth were radically decreased. One month later after transplanting, weed growth inhibition rate of hairy vetch and rye treatment were 98% and 89% respectively, while crimson clover treatment were 50%. These effects last long over two month. The soybean yield of hairy vetch treatment was best. Therefore using hairy vetch as cover crop was highly recommended in organic soybean field.