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Report2012Open access

Weed problems and possibilities for their control in salix for biomass

Albertsson, Johannes

Abstract

Weed problems and possibilities for their control in salix for biomassShare Albertsson, Johannes (2012). Weed problems and possibilities for their control in salix for biomass. Alnarp, Sweden. Preview PDF 4066Kb AbstractSalix is a dedicated arable bioenergy crop that is presently grown on 12,000 ha in Sweden. It has probably the best environmental profile among the arable bioenergy crops grown in Sweden partly because neither fungicides nor insecticides are used in the production. However, herbicides are used routinely, because salix plants are very sensitive, especially during the first growing season, to competition from weeds. Hence, to improve the environmental profile of salix even further, alternative weed control methods that complement or for substitute the use of herbicides are desired. Some of these alternatives might be to improve the mechanical weeding techniques, using cover crops, applying herbicides more accurately or to breed for weed competitiveness. The purpose of this introductory paper is therefore to review what is known about weeds in relation to biomass salix. To put this subject into context there will first be a general overview of salix and the current production system.

Keywords

salix; bioenergy; weed competition

Published in

Introductory Paper at the Faculty of Landscape Planning, Horticulture and Agricultural Science
2012, number: 2012:5
Publisher: Faculty of Landscape Planning, Horticulture and Agricultural Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences