The Effect of Different Rotations on Weeds Population in Potato Fields

In order to assess the response of weeds to a number of different rotations, a six-year experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with four replications at Agricultural Research Station of Khorasan Razavi, located in Jolgeh Rokh. Experimental treatments included: vetch-potato, canola-potato, barley-potato and fallow-potato (control). Each rotation was repeated three times during the 6-year period of the experiment. The results indicated that canola-potato rotation proved highly successful in controlling weeds during the growing season. The highest density of perennial weeds was observed in the fallow-potato rotation. The barley-potato rotation made an appropriate control of the weeds. The majority of weeds observed in sampling were spring annual ones, with lambsquarter and pigweed being the dominant species. In conclusion, this research showed that the best appropriate rotation in each area could be use in sustainable management of weed control.