ABSTRACT
In general terms, sustainability in agriculture includes economic, environmental and social aspects to protect the environment and provides profitability for the farmer. In vegetable production, these three aspects may affect sustainability through concepts of weed management costs, the effects of weed management practices on soils and foods, and the use of organic or conventional systems. Sustainable weed control is critical to the success of both large commercial and small-acreage vegetable growers. When left uncontrolled, weeds compete for light, space, soil moisture and crop nutrients. Even a slight limitation of these critical growth factors may lead to significant yield reductions. Competition from weeds is particularly damaging to vegetable crops through plant size reduction, loss of quality critical visual characteristics. Depending on the end-use, weed control in the field may be required to be as high as 100% for large-scale processors or less in small-acreage farms as long as yields are not reduced. Federal, state and local regulations which limit pesticide use continue to increase resulting in a need for improved sustainable weed control options in vegetables. Weed scientists around the globe have researched sustainable options for many decades often supplementing herbicides with older methods of physical weed control. New herbicide registrations and uses in vegetables are few compared to agronomic crops or to pesticides. However, in the US, organizations like the IR-4 Program work with researchers and the industry to register new products or new uses for older herbicides. Successful production ultimately requires the integration of effective sustainable techniques to optimize weed control. Sustainable practices in vegetable crop systems include the integration of two or more of the following techniques: preventative measures, cultural techniques, physical and/or mechanical efforts, biological control and chemical use. This chapter will discuss the use of these techniques in vegetable crop systems and how they provide sustainable options for successful weed control.
