Abstract
A field study was conducted to examine the allelopathic potential of Sonchus oleraceus L. residue against the weeds associated with wheat crop. Residue application was carried out under field conditions in two doses: 150 and 300 g m−2. Weed richness, density and above-ground biomass were assessed at 6 and 12 weeks after application to evaluate the potential effect of S. oleaceus manure on weed control. Some growth criteria and the total yield of the cultivated wheat crop were also measured. The residue-containing quadrates attained lower weed richness, density and biomass. Unlikely, residue application reduced the grain yield of wheat. The available nitrogen and phosphorus were increased in soil at the higher application dose. These results suggest that S. oleraceus could interfere most of winter weeds, but affect productivity of wheat. Weed suppression could be attributed to the allelopathic potential of S. oleraceus residue. These results suggest also that the manure of this weed could be used successfully in the integrated weed management programs to reduce weed infestation in winter crops. However, another crop species may be selected.
Highlights
As common practices in modern agriculture, large quantities of synthetic fertilizers and agrochemicals are used to enhance crop productivity (Rüegg et al, 2007)
Natural weed management practices are truly looking for solutions to minimize environmental impacts related to the input of synthetic herbicides into the agroecosystems
The results of this study indicated that S. oleraceus residue significantly reduced the richness, emergence and biomass of most of the detected weeds associated with the studied wheat field
Summary
As common practices in modern agriculture, large quantities of synthetic fertilizers and agrochemicals are used to enhance crop productivity (Rüegg et al, 2007). The continuous use of synthetic herbicides in agriculture produces the emergence of herbicideresistant weeds and leads to environmental pollution with impacts on both human health and ecosystems (Qasem, 2013). There is an increasing demand for alternative and sustainable practices and, thereby, the research institutions are currently applying innovative approaches to improve agriculture without synthetic herbicides (Khanh et al, 2007; Chauhan and Gill, 2014). The increased incidence of herbicide-resistant weed species, and the related biological consequences, poses a major threat to the potential sustainability of crop production. Natural weed management practices are truly looking for solutions to minimize environmental impacts related to the input of synthetic herbicides into the agroecosystems. Organic farming is a substantial aspect that gives the environmentally safe practices with respect to weed control and crop productivity
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