Evaluation of Organic and Inorganic Mulching as an Integrated Weed Management Strategy in Maize Under Rainfed Conditions

A. QAYYUM,W. AHMED,A. FARID,A.R. GURMANI,S.U. KHAN,T. MEHMOOD,M. LIAQUAT

doi:10.1590/s0100-83582018360100143

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Weeds affect crop growth, health and yield by competing for resources, and they serve as refuge for insect pests. Mulches of different materials have been found to control weeds and insect pests. A field study was conducted at the village of Mang, Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, to explore the effect of various mulch materials on weed suppression in maize fields under rain-fed conditions in 2013. Eight mulch materials treatments were used: control (no mulching), wheat straw mulch, dry leaves of eucalyptus, rice straw mulch, grass clippings, living mulch (soybean crop), black plastic mulch and the herbicide Primextra were investigated under a randomized complete block design with four replications. Statistical analysis of data showed maximum reduction in weed density, relative weed density, fresh biomass and dry biomass in all the test species at 25, 50 and 75 days after sowing (DAS) where Primextra and black plastic mulch were used, and this was statistically similar to where rice straw and wheat straw were used. Maximum weed density, relative weed density, fresh and dry biomass of all weed species were recorded where soybean was intercropped with maize and grass clippings were used. Based on these results, it was inferred that the mulch material of eucalyptus and rice straw can effectively be used for controlling weeds in maize fields under rain-fed conditions.

Highlights

Maize (Zea mays) is an important major cereal crop which is grown both in irrigated and rain-fed areas
At 25 days after sowing (DAS), minimum weed density of C. rotundus was noted where rice straw was used, which was statistically similar to herbicide, black plastic mulch, dry leaves of eucalyptus and wheat straw
Sorghum halepense density: At 25, 50 and 75 DAS, higher density of S. halepense was recorded where soybean was intercropped with maize, which was statistically equal to grass clippings and control

Summary

Avaliação de Coberturas Vegetais Orgânicas e Inorgânicas como Estratégia

ABSTRACT - Weeds affect crop growth, health and yield by competing for resources, and they serve as refuge for insect pests. Relative weed density, fresh and dry biomass of all weed species were recorded where soybean was intercropped with maize and grass clippings were used Based on these results, it was inferred that the mulch material of eucalyptus and rice straw can effectively be used for controlling weeds in maize fields under rain-fed conditions. A análise estatística dos dados revelou redução máxima na densidade de plantas daninhas, na densidade relativa de plantas daninhas, na biomassa fresca e na biomassa seca em todas as espécies testadas aos 25, 50 e 75 dias após a semeadura (DAS) com o uso do Primextra e da cobertura de lona plástica preta, tendo sido registrados resultados estatisticamente semelhantes com o uso de palha de arroz e palha de trigo. A partir desses resultados, inferiu-se que material de cobertura oriundo de eucalipto e palha de arroz pode ser utilizado com eficácia no controle de plantas daninhas no campo de milho sob condições de sequeiro. Palavras-chave: Zea mays, materiais de cobertura, benefícios líquidos, densidade de plantas daninhas, biomassa de plantas daninhas

INTRODUCTION

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Tribulus terrestris

Cyprus rotundus

Sorghum halepense