Abstract
Weeds pose a great threat to crop production subsequently distressing the equilibrium of agro-ecological systems globally. Instead of relying on chemical weed control, there is a dire need to explore alternative eco-friendly agricultural practices for weed suppression and sustainable wheat production. Mulching being eco-friendly could potentially serve the purpose towards weed suppression organically. To check the usefulness of mulching, two-year studies were conducted under field conditions in Haripur, Pakistan, during 2014 and 2015 to elucidate the response of various mulching materials for weed control in wheat. Six mulch material treatments were used along with Buctril super (used as check) at the rate of 1.235 L ha−1 to control the most problematic weed species of wheat in Pakistan. Experiments were designed under randomized complete block design with four repeats. The analysis of data revealed a significant decrease in weed density, relative weed density, fresh and dry plant biomass at 25, 50 and 75 days after sowing (DAS) where Buctril super at 1.235 L ha−1 and mulch of black plastic were used followed by sugarcane bagasse and dry leaves of mulberry, as compared with control (untreated). Higher density of weed, relative weed density, fresh and dry plant biomass were observed in test weed species of wheat where lentil was applied with wheat and dry leaves of mulberry were incorporated. Net economic benefits in the form of benefit cost ratio (2.55) were higher where grass clippings were applied followed by sugarcane bagasse (2.43), mulberry leaves (2.49), while the lowest net economic benefits (1.72) were obtained when lentil (grown as live mulch crop) with wheat was intercropped. It was concluded from the study that sugarcane bagasse and grass clippings could be a source to control weeds in the wheat with a minimum cost of production at Haripur, Pakistan, and similar agro-climatic environment.
Highlights
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is considered as a staple food for almost 33% of the world’s population [1]
The overall trend of weed density reduction by various mulching treatments was in the following order: herbicide spray > black plastic mulch > sugarcane bagasse > maize stalk mulch > grass clipping > living mulch > dry leaves of mulberry
The magnitude of reduction in weed density by black plastic mulch was noted comparable to herbicide spray at all the three growth stages
Summary
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is considered as a staple food for almost 33% of the world’s population [1]. Wheat is produced in irrigated and unirrigated areas in Pakistan. Its cultivation area in rain-fed areas of Pakistan is 1.24 million hectares with average yield of 0.5–1.3 t ha−1 but in irrigated areas, average yield is about 2.7 t ha−1 in spite of genetic yield potential of 6–8 t ha−1. The present agricultural system in the country is dependent on inorganic/synthetic herbicides to manage or eradicate crop weeds [3]. Use of synthetic herbicides causes health and ecologically associated problems. That is why it is very important to develop biological methods for weed management. In this regard, allelopathy is a novel option in modern agriculture that can be applied in a weed control management system [4]
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