Simulation analysis of crop rotation effects on weed seedbanks

A population-projection model was developed for a depth-structured weed seed population and plant survival and seed production. Abutilon theophrasti and Setaria viridis seedbank dynamics were simulated in continuous corn Zea mays and in two crop rotations (corn-soybean Glycine max and oat Avena sativa-clover Trifolium-corn-soybean-corn). Results suggest that crop rotation can nearly eliminate S. viridis seedbanks, while A. theophrasti seedbanks are less affected. Sensitivity analysis indicated that variation in seed survivorships over winter influenced population dynamics most strongly. Other seed survivorships were also highly influential, while plant survivorships and per-plant seed production had smaller effects. -from Authors