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Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2002 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 58-62
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Research Article

Soil, Weed and Insect Management Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture

D. L. Karlen, D. D. Buhler, M. M. Ellsbury and S. S. Andrews

ABSTRACT

Soil resources, weed infestations and insect pressures often determine the agronomic and economic sustain ability of tillage and crop management practices throughout the world. This mini-review presents weed, tillage, and entomology results from field studies in the northern U.S. Corn and Soybean Belt to illustrate linkages between soil quality, pest management, and sustainable agriculture. The potential use of decision support tools to examine tradeoffs within complex agricultural systems is also discussed. We conclude that use of no-tillage or reduced tillage and crop rotation are important strategies for sustaining or improving soil quality, primarily because of their impact on soil organic matter. Managing weeds with cover crops or smother plants and disrupting insect pressures by intercropping appear to be practices that can help create more sustainable agroecosystems.
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