Project Number: 1265-22000-164-03
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Feb 18, 2005
End Date: Dec 31, 2009

Objective:
Determine soybean traits that improve their capability of competing with weeds. Identify soil and cover crop management practices that enhance weed suppression in organic farming systems.

Approach:
Cooperate with researchers at USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Rodale Institute, and Penn State University to conduct a broad research program on biologically based weed management. Soybean cultivar experiments will be conducted at USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD, and at Rodale Institute, Kutztown, PA to evaluate selected germplasm with a range of traits for height and leaf area in weedy, weed-free, and crop-free plots that are managed organically. Detailed studies of mechanisms that enhance weed suppression and crop vigor will be conducted. Novel approaches for integrating competitive cultivars with cover crop and soil management practices will be explored.