Weed control in organic chickpea production (Deliverable 6.4)

Management of spontaneously emerging natural flora and invasive plant species (also known as ‘weeds’) is generally a main challenge in plant production and it is even more important under organic farming systems. Therefore, it is crucial to highlight effective strategies and methodologies of weed control. Besides selecting the right variety, the foundation for successful chickpea production lies in choosing the optimal sowing date, and implementing thoughtful management of spontaneously emerging flora and invasive species. Ensure that the soil temperature reaches at least 10-12°C before planting, as recent cold springs have often been too frosty. Exposure to cold can inhibit seed germination.It is crucial to assess the predominant weed species in the selected sowing area. In fields heavily infested with perennial plants (e.g., creeping thistle, bitter dock, convolvulus species), organic chickpea production should be reconsidered or potentially avoided.Pre-crops with strong weed suppression effects can significantly aid in weed control. Although crop rotation is often challenging to plan due to seasonal variability, cereals (e.g., winter wheat) are essential, and cover crops can also be beneficial.The choice of row spacing and planting density should be adapted to the available row-cropping tools. In irrigated areas, a false seedbed can be prepared to promote weed emergence, followed by a single mechanical weed control using a harrow. Weed control strategies may also include mixed sowings (e.g., flax/wheat/mustard/chickpea) or planting chickpea in mulch (direct sowing of chickpea after rolling rye).