Cereal rye mulch biomass and crop density affect weed suppression and community assembly in no‐till planted soybean

The use of multiple ecological weed management tactics may be an effective solution to challenges associated with reducing tillage. An experiment was conducted assess how soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. density and cereal rye Secale cereale L. mulch biomass affected suppression community assembly in no-till production. Soybean planted at five rates from 0 74 seeds m−2, levels were established 2 times the ambient within each site–year. We assessed effects on suppression, composition, functional structure life cycle, emergence timing, seed weight, height, specific leaf area traits. Weed influenced by a synergistic interaction between biomass. dispersion (FDis) all traits, when combined, reduced increased biomass, suggesting that high treatment intensities induced trait convergence. However, had differing FDis composition individual these practices represent unique filters during assembly. Mulch larger effect annual than density. Farmers who utilize cover crop for experience shifts toward proportion perennials weeds later emergence, heavier seeds, shorter stature. Increasing reduce perennial making it valuable complement As such, is enhanced combining practices, which can enable diverse groups.