Exploring the interaction of weed control management and crop structure on maize yield in the wide range of Mexican cropping systems.

Abstract

Abstract Herbicide use as the main driver to control weeds is increasingly being questioned. Several countries have adopted policies to control the use of herbicides, challenging multiple actors to restore, expand, or develop alternative solutions for weed management that consider the specific needs of each agroecosystem. Testing alternative weed management (agroecological) in a wide range of cropping systems can include comparing them with herbicide use and exploring their potential interaction with different cropping systems and cropping structures. The objectives of our study were: i) to assess weed control treatments in different cropping systems (CSYS), ii) to explore interactions between weed treatment and cropping structure (CSTR) and investigate how these interactions affect weed and maize covers evolution, and iii) to assess weed control treatments and CSTR effects on final grain yield. Weed management treatments did not differ in grain yield in a wide range of CSYS. Agroecological management required a greater number of practices. The timing of weed control practices (Ve and V6) was an important factor for both agroecological and herbicides treatments and for different genotypes. Weed management treatments did not interact with CSTR to define grain yield. However, it explained between 28 to 60% of grain yield variability. We highlight the importance of genotype and plant density elections for grain yield determination. We also highlight that the apparent response of genotypes and density on weeds in experimental conditions is not evident in field conditions. It is still necessary to develop more complex models that can include factors such as the decision-making of farmers and technicians.