Beitrag einer termingerecht durchgeführten Kainit-Düngung zur Beikrautregulierung in Winterweizen

Due to etching effects on broad leafed weeds, fine ground kainite was used for weed control before synthetic herbicides have become common practice in conventional farming. According to the organic standards kainite can be used as potassium fertiliser. The present study investigates optimal growing stages for application in organic winter wheat and the range of effectiveness. Kainite was applied at a rate of 800 kg per hectare alternatively at EC 29 and EC 30 under the conditions of morning dew on days with high sunshine duration. At both growing stages kainite application reduced the population of hairy vetch, chamomile, cornflower, field pansy, winter rape, common chickweed and persian speedwell. Application at early growing stages led to a higher weed reduction