Weed and weed seed-bank response to tillage systems, straw and catch crops in continuous barley

Weed and weed seed-bank response to different tillage systems, straw and catch crops was investigated over the years 2000-2003 in a field trial with continuously grown barley. We found no effect of straw on weed density on the first two years of the experiment. Lower number of weeds in plots with straw was found on later years. Shallow loosening in spring, shallow catch crop incorporation in spring and no-tillage significantly increased weed infestation, compared to conventional deep plowing. No-tillage favored spread of Sonchus arvensis L. and Tripleurospermum perforatum L., but decreased the number of Chenopodium album L. Tillage systems had no effect on weed seed-bank. Straw incorporation decreased weed seed-bank, especially of Chenopodium album and, therefore, future weed infestation.