Changes of weed infestation under long-term effect of different soil pH levels and amount of phosphorus:potassium

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study was to investigate changes of weed species density as a result of long-term (1976–2005) exposure to different soil pH levels, and P2O5:K2O amount in soil created by initial and subsequent periodical liming, and fertilization. As a result of liming during the period 1976–2005, average soil pH levels at the start of the sixth crop rotation (2001–2005) ranged from 4.1 (unlimed) to 6.6. And in each pH plot were four sub-plots with a different amount of mobile phosphorus:potassium. In acid soil (pH 4.1), in spring oilseed rape and in spring barley crops, the dominant weed Spergula arvensis density decreased significantly at a pH of 5.1 or higher. With increasing amount of P2O5:K2O in soil, the abundance of S. arvensis in spring rape and spring barley crops was reduced at all soil pH levels. At pH 5.1, Chenopodium album and Tripleurospermum perforatum were prominent. Elytrigia repens tended to decrease with increased alkalinity and nutrient amount in soil. With reduction of soil acidity from pH 4.1 to 6.6, the total weed infestation consistently declined in all crops. A low amount of P2O5:K2O in soil caused the decline in the abundance of S. arvensis, E. repens and increase in C. album and T. perforatum.