48 Organic Feature | Promotional Supplement December 2024 ORGANIC FEATURE resistant weeds while meeting evolving market demands. Integrated Strategies When asked about challenges in managing weeds, Dr. Nurse highlights their remarkable adaptability. “Weeds are very plastic,” he explains. “They can readily adapt to different conditions.” Nurse calls for an integrated approach to weed management instead, as relying on singular strategies often leads to new forms of resistance. One recent study targeted three market classes of dry beans – navy, black, and white kidney – to assess the impact of planting density on weed management and crop yields. Researchers planted rye as a winter cover crop, which enhances soil health and provides effective early-season weed suppression through roller crimping at the early milk stage. All rye plots underwent strip tillage to promote plant flexibility and improve early season weed control. In addition to these practices, Nurse’s team employed electric weed control with a Weed Zapper to target weeds emerging above the crop canopy. While this technology showed promise, Nurse notes it may need to be combined with other methods, such as high-velocity projectiles, for integrated weed management. To further address weed issues, inter-row cultivation techniques were utilised, beginning with a rotary hoe until the beans emerged, followed by a row crop cultivator for managing weeds between rows. However, this method has proven less effective for controlling weeds within the crop rows. Dr. Nurse acknowledges the significance of the EU as a key export market for dry beans, noting the region’s ongoing research into sustainable agricultural practices. “We can always learn from other countries and climates,” he states, emphasising the importance of adapting insights to local conditions. Despite the challenges posed by weed management, he remains optimistic that engineering advancements will lead to effective solutions for improving organic farming practices. Key Findings and Future Directions The initial year of Dr. Nurse’s project with the Organic Science Cluster 4 emphasises the need for diverse weed management strategies. While it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions, the five-year research program aims to clarify the long-term benefits of this integrated approach. The team is focused on yield assessments to ensure that weed control strategies support crop development and maintain the economic viability of dry bean farming. With rising consumer awareness of the health benefits of dry beans and concerns over pesticide and herbicide residues, the market for these crops is expected to grow. This research not only aims to enhance soil health through cover crops and reduced tillage, but also seeks to provide sustainable solutions that minimise reliance on herbicides. Dr. Robert E. Nurse will join an expert panel at the 2025 Guelph Organic Conference to discuss his pioneering research in organic dry bean agronomy. Attendees will learn about his innovative approaches, such as cover cropping and electric weed control, which are enhancing crop yields and soil health while reducing reliance on herbicides in organic farming. Organic Science Cluster Dr. Nurse’s work is supported by the Organic Science Cluster 4 (2023-2028), which is an industry-led research initiative co-managed by the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC) and the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) at Dalhousie University. The cluster will receive up to $6.8 million through the AgriScience Program under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. For further inquiries or collaboration opportunities, Dr. Nurse can be reached at Robert.Nurse@agr.gc.ca. Dr. Robert E. Nurse ffolas - stock.adobe.com
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