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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Spatial Multiobjective Optimization of Agricultural Conservation Practices using a SWAT Model and an Evolutionary Algorithm
Published on: December 9, 2012
Short-term responses in weed spatial patterns during early adoption of conservation agriculture practices
Gal Rozenberg1,2, Yohay Carmel1, Gil Eshel3
1Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
Background:
The aggregated spatial pattern of weeds in agricultural systems is a widespread phenomenon. Depending on species characteristics, for example life form, weed patches may maintain their location across growing seasons. These spatial and temporal patterns underpin site-specific weed control, where herbicide applications are tailored to within-field infestation levels using variable rates and targeted spot spraying, thereby reducing overall herbicide use. The various practices that comprise conservation agriculture, like tillage reduction or cover crops, may affect the spatial patterns and temporal stability of weeds. This study examines short-term responses of weed spatial and temporal patterns following the implementation of conservation agriculture practices. Ten large experimental plots, five for each of conservation and conventional agriculture, located in northern Israel, were surveyed over two consecutive years (2021-2022) to evaluate the spatio-temporal patterns of weeds.
Results:
Weed spatial patterns were influenced by both cropping system and species life form. Higher levels of weed aggregation were observed in conservation compared to conventional agriculture. Perennial species formed denser weed patches compared to annuals. Weed patch stability was mainly governed by species life form, with perennials demonstrating persistent patches.
Conclusion:
The transition to conservation agriculture may enhance the phenomena of weed aggregation and weed patch stability even within a short time. Consequently, under these conditions, the benefits of site-specific weed control become even more significant compared to conventional systems. This suggests that two key objectives, mitigating soil degradation and decreasing the use of herbicides, can be accomplished through conservation agriculture and site-specific herbicide applications. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
