Review article

https://doi.org/10.18047/poljo.32.1.8

Weed Community Dynamics Under Conservation Agriculture Practices – Mechanisms and Implication

Bojana Brozović ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia *
Irena Jug ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Danijel Jug ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Vedran Lederer ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Iva Rojnica ; Križevci University of Applied Sciences, Milislava Demerca 1, 48260 Križevci, Croatia
Boris Đurđević ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Conservation agriculture is considered as a sustainable production system, based on three main principles: minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotation. These principles modify environmental conditions, disturbance regimes, and resource availability, thereby influencing weed emergence, growth, establishment and competition with crops. This review aims to summarize the main findings on weed community dynamics under conservation agriculture practices and emphasizes their effects on weed infestation in agricultural fields. Conservation tillage affects the weed seed bank and often increases seed presence in the topsoil, while permanent soil cover influences weed germination and emergence through physical and chemical mechanisms. Crop rotation introduces variability in cropping systems, influences weed life cycles and leads to changes in weed community composition. The interaction of these practices leads to different weed community responses, depending on weed species characteristics, environmental conditions, and management. Conservation agriculture often causes a transition in weed communities, favouring species adapted to reduced disturbance and surface soil conditions. Effective weed management in these systems requires an integrated and adaptive approach. Understanding the combined and long-term effects of these practices is essential for predicting potential challenges and developing sustainable weed management strategies.

Keywords

conservation tillage; soil covering; crop rotation; weed infestation

Hrčak ID:

348733

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/348733

Publication date:

30.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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