Gap colonization by weeds in a wheat crop grown under different cultivation regimes

The effects of tillage systems (mouldboard plough, chisel, disk and non-tillage, over 3 years) and gap openings during August and October of 0, 0.30 m x 0.30 m and 0.45 m x 0.45 m on the weed community were investigated in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. Weed flora composition and species abundance were recorded in August, September and November and the data analysed with MULVA programs and non-parametric tests. The tillage system was more important than the timing or gap size on the weed floristic composition, and the changes in weed communities were evident within a 3-year period in spite of herbicide use. Less disturbing tillage systems (non-tillage and chisel plough) allowed the build-up of a more diverse community, whereas the most disturbing one (mouldboard plough) prevented high diversity in the weed community.