Agronomic Methods to Reduce Weed Burden in Arable Crops

Weed management in Swedish agriculture focuses on reducing herbicide use through diversified crop rotations, perennial grass–clover leys, and strategic use of non-harvested service crops. Research shows that undersown or post-harvest sown service crops, particularly competitive species like red clover and Trifolium squarosum, significantly reduce weed biomass and improve yields when terminated in spring. Direct drilling of winter wheat between service crop rows enhances effectiveness. Ploughing combined with spring-sown cereals reduces blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides) seed banks, while minimum tillage proves even more effective due to increased seed exposure to predation and weather. These agronomic practices are critical for sustainable weed control in cereal-dominant systems.