A study conducted by Embrapa Hortaliças an 85.9% reduction in weed infestation in the understory tomato crop for industrial processing. The result was obtained in the comparison with the system of direct no-tillage production with the conventional system, in relation to the control of weeds in the planting of tomato between two crops like corn and soybean.
“Producers often use no-till cultivation, especially soybeans, but when they enter the area, they opt for the conventional system with plowing and harvesting. This trial showed that there are great benefits when maintaining no-tillage also in tomato cultivation in succession, “explains the researcher Núbia Correia, responsible for the experiment, in Embrapa’s statement.
After the experiments, the tomato showed no difference in productivity between the two production systems. However, due to the reduction of weeds in the area with corn straw, there was less need for herbicide application, which translates into economic and environmental gains for the farmer.
Also according to the Embrapa researcher, although chemical control is the main strategy for weed management in agricultural crops, it can not be the only one and that the adoption of other agricultural practices such as the maintenance of mulch on the soil can bring benefits to the entire productive system.