Integrated agroecological practices for sustaining weed management and improving faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor) productivity under low-input farming

Abstract

Bearing in mind the negative impacts of intensive farming systems based on monoculture and heavy chemical usage, there is a need to find sustainable agroecological practices (AP). The introduction of legume crops through intercropping practices, mulching, and plant water extracts are among the non-chemical strategies for agroecological weed management. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different agroecological practices on weeds, soil microbial load, soil nutrients, and faba bean yield. The results showed that agroecological practices, especially the treatment including the combination of the three AP, significantly reduced weed density and biomass. The treatments improved the soil microbial load at the harvest stage, land equivalent ratio, faba bean yield, and yield components compared to the sole faba bean. However, no significant differences were recorded in the parameters related to the soil macronutrients. These findings suggest that the integration of intercropping, plant extracts and mulching practices could be an important ecological alternative for weed management associated with faba bean crops under low-input farming in the Meknes region, Morocco.