In three replacement series experiments, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica Host. #3 AEGCY), and downy brome (Bromus tectorum L. # BROTE) were paired in all possible combinations to determine competitive relationships during vegetative growth. Under growth chamber conditions of ample fertility and soil moisture and day/night temperatures of 18/10 C, relative yield totals for the three species were similar, indicating that they compete for the same resources. Both winter wheat and jointed goatgrass had greater plant growth and higher relative crowding coefficients than downy brome, which indicated a hierarchy of relative competitiveness of winter wheat > jointed goatgrass >> downy brome. In other growth chamber studies, winter wheat was slightly more competitive than jointed goatgrass regardless of fertility levels. Winter wheat was the superior competitor at 18/10 C and −33 kPa (soil moisture), whereas jointed goatgrass was superior at 27/10 C and −300 kPa, conditions that are frequently encountered in the Pacific Northwest.

Competitive relationships between johnsongrass, smooth pigweed, and soybean were examined in 1986 and 1987, and the adequacy of an additive response model (ARM) and product response model (PRM) in predicting yield reductions due to multispecies weed populations was assessed. A severe drought reduced soybean yields statewide in 1986, whereas ideal conditions for soybean production were experienced in 1987. Averaged over monospecific weed densities of 1, 2, 4, and 8 plants 4.6 m−1 of row, smooth pigweed intercepted 2.5 and 1.8 times more light than johnsongrass in 1986 and 1987, respectively. In multispecies populations having either 4 or 8 smooth pigweed plants 4.6 m−1 of row, light interception by johnsongrass was negligible. Averaged over monospecific weed densities, smooth pigweed produced 5160 and 1760 kg ha−1, while johnsongrass produced 1530 and 450 kg ha−1 dry weight in 1986 and 1987, respectively. In multispecies populations, smooth pigweed contributed more than 80% of the total weed biomass. As monospecific johnsongrass density increased, reductions in soybean seed yield were linear, whereas exponential response patterns adequately characterized reductions in soybean seed yield due to smooth pigweed interference. Based on calibrated monospecific responses, the ARM and PRM generally projected higher soybean seed yield reductions for multispecies weed populations than were observed. When crop production conditions were favorable and competitive effects of weeds were low, both models adequately predicted soybean seed yield reductions. When dry conditions unfavorable for crop production existed, the PRM best accommodated the interactive effects between johnsongrass, smooth pigweed, and soybean.