EFFECT OF POSTPLANT TILLAGE AND CROP DENSITY ON BROADLEAF WEED-CONTROL IN DRY PEA (PISUM-SATIVUM) AND LENTIL (LENS-CULINARIS)

Increased crop densities and postplant tillage were evaluated as nonch emical methods to supplement metribuzin for improved broadleaf weed co ntrol in dry pea and lentil. The effects of 50, 100, and 150% of recom mended 220 kg/ha pea and 67 kg/ha lentil seeding rates and two dates o f rotary hoeing and harrowing on pea, lentil, and broadleaf weeds were studied with and without metribuzin for two years. Under favorable gr owing conditions, crop competition gave 72 and 99% weed control in pea and 33 and 70% weed control in lentil with the 50 and 150% seeding ra tes. Under less favorable conditions, control was 21 to 39% with the l ow and high pea and lentil seeding rates. At recommended seeding rates , metribuzin gave greater than 90% control in either crop or year. Pos tplant tillage 12 to 27 d after planting slightly reduced crop densiti es in three tillage treatments in one year, but not the second. Postpl ant tillage did not affect crop yield or improve weed control. In all studies, pea was similar to or more competitive than lentil in suppres sing broadleaf weeds. Because neither non-chemical practice significan tly improves weed control, changes are not recommended for weed manage ment in pea and lentil.