Weed Control Methods Research Articles

Using Post-Emergence Herbicides in Combination with the Sowing Date to Suppress Sinapis arvensis and Silybum marianum in Durum Wheat

Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) are two competitive broad-leaved weeds commonly found in cereals in Europe, while several weed species have developed resistance to the main herbicides that are applied on these crops. Thus, the implementation of integrated weed management (IWM) programs is of great importance. Field experiments were conducted based on a split-plot design with two factors (sowing date and herbicides). Our results showed that the density of wild mustard and milk thistle was higher in the early sowing compared to the late sowing, while the total weed density was up to 75% higher in early sowing. Moreover, the herbicides florasulam + 2.4-D and bromoxynil + 2.4-D exhibited high efficacy (>98%) against milk thistle and wild mustard, while tribenuron-methyl and florasulam + clopyralid provided greater efficacy in the late sowing compared to the early sowing. Among the four herbicides, the lowest dry biomass and grain yield of wheat were observed in tribenuron-methyl and florasulam + clopyralid, while in the weed-infested treatment, the highest values of both parameters were recorded in late sowing. Finally, the results showed that the sowing date is a cultural weed control method that should be implemented in IWM programs, since it can affect both weed density and herbicide efficacy.

The Impact of Tillage and Weed Control Methods on Physical Properties of Sandy Clay Loam Forest Ochrosol in Cassava Cultivation

The field study was carried out on a sandy clay loam forest ochrosol at Hodzo, near Ho in Ghana, from July 2017 to May 2018. The objective was to determine how tillage and weed control techniques affect the physical properties of the soil. The split-plot design was used in the study, with tillage serving as the main factor and weed control serving as the subplot factor. The tillage treatments were no tillage (NT), minimum tillage (MT), and ploughing followed by harrowing and ridging (PHR) and deep tillage followed by Ploughing, harrowing, and ridging (DPHR). On the other hand, the weed control treatments comprised hoe weeding, machete weeding, and no weeding. It was realised during the study that, in the upper layer (0–15 cm), the PHR treatment produced lower soil penetration resistance (38.57 kPa), high dry bulk density (1.019 Mgm−3), and slightly lower soil moisture content (5.0%) in comparison with the other tillage treatments at three months after planting (3 MAP). The results on initial and basic infiltration rates portrayed a trend where the more intensive the tillage regime (hence, soil disturbance), the lower the initial and basic infiltration rates, and vice versa. Moreover, tillage had a higher impact on the physical characteristics of the soil than weed control methods. Nonetheless, tillage with machete weeding resulted in lower soil dry bulk density and higher moisture content, while tillage with hoe weeding reduced penetration resistance and increased infiltration rates. Given similar weather and soil conditions, the study recommends that farms and farmers in the Ho Municipality and the Volta Region adopt conservative tillage methods such as heaping with machete or hoe weeding and use the savings to expand their farm sizes. Therefore, the adoption of conservation tillage practices is more crucial than ever in order to ensure sustainable food production with minimal impact on the soil and environment.

Effect of Some Methods of Weed Control on Growth, Yield And Yield Components of Two Cultivars of Broad Bean (vicia Faba L.) And Associated Weeds under Rain Fed Condition

The present study was conducted at Collage of Agricultural Engineering Sciences University of Duhok (Sumel) and Zakho Research Center (Zakho), Kurdistan Region, Iraq, during the growing season 2021-2022 to investigate the effect of different factors includes broad bean cultivars (Aguadulce & Lunga Delle Cascine), herbicide treatments (Control, Basagran 300mL.100L-1, Gallant super 375mL.100L-1, Basagran + Gallant super and Hand weeding) and locations (Sumel and Zakho). The results showed that the Basagran herbicide completely eliminated broad–leaved weeds and Gallant super completely eliminated narrow leaved-weeds. According to study results the best cultivar for Sumel location was Lunga Delle Cascine and Aguadulce for Zakho location. The treatment of Hand weeding in Sumel location and treatment of Gallant super in Zakho location lead to increase all studied parameter

EXPLORING THE PHYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF Glycyrrhiza glabra L. ON EMERGENCE AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF Pisum sativum L.

Chemical weed control method may cause environmental hazards and residual effects in crops and soil. Alternate approach to control weeds is getting attentions in sustainable production system. Use of aqueous extracts of crops is getting scientific attention as eco-friendly alternative to synthetic herbicides especially under scenario of fast increasing herbicide resistance in weeds. Therefore, the present study was conducted at Weed Science Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during winter 2018 to determine the phytotoxic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra on winter vegetable crop Pisum sativum. The experiments were laid out under a completely randomized design (CRD), having three replicates. The experiments comprised of seven treatments with different concentrations of extract. The wood of G. glabra extracts comprised 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 80% concentration applied on Pisum sativum. Data on seed germination, root length, shoot length, and fresh weight of weed and pea was recorded following standard procedures. Data were analyzed using Fishers Analysis of Variance. The differences among treatments were separated using a least significant difference test (LSD). Results revealed that aqueous extracts were possessed phytotoxic chemicals that cause phytotoxic effect to P. sativum and result in maximum germination percentage (%), Mean Germination time (Days), Time to 50% germination and minimum, root length (mm), shoot length (mm), root fresh weight (mg), shoot fresh weight was recorded at 80 % concentration of G. glabra. It is concluded that there are phenolic compounds in the wood extract of G. glabra which cause allelopathic effects on P. sativum.

Floristic divergence of weeds in rice fields under subtropical condition

Weed infestation pattern changes over time for continuous adaptation of similar weed control methods. So, a survey was conducted at Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University from July 2019 to June 2020 to identify the most dominant and abundant weed species as well as to indicate the probable problematic weed in boro and T. aman rice. Seven fields were randomly selected for each of the boro and T. aman rice. The surveys were performed according to quantitative survey technique by using 0.25m2 quadrate with 16 samples from each of the field following the zig-zag method. Sampling was done twice, while the rice plants were at the vegetative stage and at reproductive stage. Fifty one weed species under 23 families were recorded at experimental area of which 42 species (under 18 families) and 38 species (under 20 families) were observed in boro and T. aman, respectively. Poaceae topped the list with 10 species, while Cyperaceae ranked second with six species. The highest number of weed species (no. 42) was observed in boro rice compared to T. aman rice (no. 38). Besides, divergence in the weed composition was also high between both rice fields. Among the 11 abundant weed species, Eleocharis atropurpurea, Echinochloa crusgalli and Monochoria vaginalis were the most frequent and abundant weed species found in both boro rice and T. aman rice. Broadleaves had higher abundance value (246.26% in boro and 332.39% in T. aman) than grasses (188.76% in boro and 146.68% in T. aman) and sedges (164.98% in boro and 120.93% in T. aman). Moreover, the annuals were dominant over the perennials. Therefore, the present results having diversified weed species with different ranks and orders indicated that the weed management strategies should be taken regarding the infestation of dominant weed species of the respective crop.

Autonomous agriculture in public perception - German consumer segments’ view of crop robots

Public acceptance of agricultural technologies is an important determinant of their success. In the case of autonomous crop robots, recent research from Germany suggests that societal acceptance of the technology plays an important role for farmer acceptance of crop robots. Yet little research has been conducted so far into how the public perceives autonomous agricultural technologies like crop robots. Investigating the public’s opinion on crop robots will provide answers to one of farmers’ questions in the decision to invest in crop robots. Through consumer segmentation and hypotheses-based characterization, specific consumer groups with differing attitudes towards crop robots are identified. Two discrete choice experiments on digital and autonomous methods of weed management (n = 675) and tractor size and degree of autonomy (n = 645), conducted as part of a larger representative consumer survey in Germany (n = 2,012), are submitted to a Hierarchical Bayes estimation and subsequent latent class analysis. The identified consumer segments are characterized in a hypotheses-based approach with hypotheses centering on consumer attitudes measured as 5-point Likert-type items and as spontaneous image associations. Both subsamples can be segmented into three groups, which are comparable between the experiments in their socio-economic composition. Results suggest that the German public is largely positively inclined towards autonomous agricultural technologies. The method of weed control is considered more important than the vehicle type (i.e., conventional tractor or crop robot) and vehicle size is considered more important than degree of autonomy. Only the respective smallest consumer segments in the two experiments indicate indifference or a more conservative perspective. Participants’ attitude towards environmental preservation appears to have a positive influence on their evaluation of autonomous agricultural technologies. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first investigation into the public opinion of crop robots, based on a large sample representative of the German population in four socio-demographic variables. It indicates that the German population is most interested in the reduction of agrochemicals in plant production and will also accept autonomous agricultural technologies to achieve this goal. Policymakers should make use of these insights when communicating about novel technologies in agriculture and extension agents should relay this information to farmers, particularly those already interested in investing in crop robots.

The Effectiveness of Mixing Herbicides and Manual Weed Control on Corn (Zea mays L)

Field trials were conducted in Januay 2021 cropping seasons to evaluate some herbicide mixtures and manual weed control method in the maize production. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments as follows: Metolachlor + atrazine (1.0 + 2.0 kg a.i./ha), metolachlor + atrazine (2.0 + 2.5 kg a.i./ha), metolachlor + atrazine (3.0 + 3.0 kg a.i./ha), pendimethlin + atrazine ( 1.0 + 2.0 kg a.i./ha), pendimethlin + atrazine (2.0 + 2.5 kg a.i./ha), pendimethlin + atrazine (3.0 + 3.0 kg a.i./ha), metolachlor + atrazine (1.0 + 2.0 kg a.i./ha) plus one supplementary hoe weeding (SHW) at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) and pendimethlin + atrazine (1.0 + 2.0 kg a.i./ha) plus one SHW at 6 WAS, hand weeding at 3 and 6 WAS and a weedy check. These treatments used in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The rsults showed that metolachlor + atrazine and pendimethalin + atrazine at 1.0 + 2.0 kg a.i./ha plus one SHW at 6 WAS significantly reduced weed infestation and gave higher maize grain yield and economic returns. These methods are therefore recommended to farmers as alternative to two hand weeding at 3 and 6 WAS.

EFFECT OF WEED CONTROL TREATMENTS, SOWING DATE AND SOWING METHOD ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF FINGER MILLET (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) IN SUDAN SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

Field experiment was conducted during 2016, 2017 and 2018 rainy seasons at the Research Farm of National Institute for Horticultural Research (NIHORT) Bagauda (Latitude 11̊ 33ꞌ N and Longitude 8̊ 23ꞌ E, 481m above sea level) Kano, in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of weed control treatments, sowing dates and methods on the growth and yield of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.). The experiment consisted of three (3) sowing date (late June, early July and late July), three (3) sowing methods (broadcasting, drilling and dibbling) and six weed control treatment (atrazine at 0.8 or 1.2kg a.i.ha-1, 2,4-D at 0.5 or 0.75kg a.i. ha-1, two hoe weeding at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) and weedy check). These were laid out in a split-split-plot design and replicated three (3) times. Sowing dates were assigned to main plot, sowing methods to subplot while weed control to sub-sub plots. The results revealed that sowing on late June and early July produced significantly taller plant and higher grain yield. Broadcasting produced higher number of tillers (m-2) and grain yield in 2016 (887.3kg ha-1), 2017 (1230.0kg ha-1) and 2018 (1255.0kgha-1). Furthermore, two hoe weeding produced significantly higher grain yield (kgha-1) in all the seasons which were statistically similar with plots treated with atrazine at 1.2kg a.i. ha-1 and those treated with 2,4-D at 0.5 and 0.75kg a.i. ha-1. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that finger millet should be sown between late June to early July by broadcasting method and application of either atrazine at 1.2 kg a.i. ha-1 pre-emergence or 2,4-D at 0.5kg a.i. ha-1 post-emergence for higher grain yield (kgha-1).

Evaluation of the allelopathic potential of Trianthema portulacastrum L. on Convolvulus arvensis L

BackgroundAs the crop season progresses and plants size increases, weeds also begin to compete with the essential resources available for plant growth. Once weeds initiate to deprive the crop of these essential resources, the crop yield potential can be negatively impacted. Weeds infestations not only caused a severe impact on the yield but also provide shelter for various pathogens. Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed) is a serious detrimental weed to various crops. Among weed control methods, herbicidal control through synthetic chemicals is the most popular method but excessive usage of herbicides is a health hazard and causes environmental pollution along with resistance problems in weeds. Therefore, allelopathy is an eco-friendly biological control method. The objective of this research was to study the allelopathic influence of Trianthema portulacastrum (horse purslane) on the growth of C. arvensis. To meet the objectives, root and shoot length, leaf area, chlorophylls (a and b), total soluble sugars, proline, superoxidase dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were assessed. ResultsResults intimate that water extracts of root and shoot of T. portulacastrum significantly (p ≤ 0.05) inhibited growth parameters. But the allelopathic effect of shoot extract was more toxic than the root extract and maximum growth inhibition was found in 100% shoot extract. This inhibition of the growth of C. arvensis was coupled with a significant increase in soluble sugars and proline. In addition, growth reduction was associated with a decrease in photosynthetic pigments and activities of SOD and CAT. Shoot extract treatments caused almost equal inhibitory action in the growth of C. arvensis with herbicide treatment. ConclusionThe results indicated that shoot extract of T. portulacastrum could be used as a bio-herbicide against C. arvensis.

The Effect of Tillage Systems and Weed Control Methods on the Yield and Quality of Spelt Grain (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta L.)

The aim of this three-year field experiment was to determine how simplified (reduced) pre-planting tillage and different weed control methods impact the yield and selected quality parameters of spelt grain (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta L.). Conventional tillage and three variants of reduced tillage (RT) were tested. The second experimental variable (weed control) had three variants: mechanical weed control (M), combined mechanical + chemical treatment at full herbicide rate (MC 100%), and combined mechanical + chemical treatment at 25%-reduced herbicide rate (MC 75%). The mechanical method consisted of harrowing the wheat crop in the fall and spring. The results showed that the wheat yields obtained under reduced pre-planting tillage were comparable to those under conventional tillage. However, the grain quality parameters proved to be worse under the reduced tillage regimes. Herbicide applications, both at full and reduced rates, significantly improved grain quality parameters and yields compared with mechanical-only weed control. In particular, the herbicide-treated crops boasted higher values of thousand-kernel weight and grain weight per ear.

Effect of Chemical and Mechanical Weed Management on Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Production and Relative Composition of Weed under Varanasi Region, Uttar Pradesh

A two-year field experiment was conducted on potato crop to evaluate the bio-efficacy of herbicides, suitable doses and their feasibility with mechanical weed control method in terms of plant height, number of tubers and relative composition of weeds. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the vegetable research farm Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, during the winter season of 2017-18 and 2018-19. Randomly selected five plants were used as a sample for recording plant height and average number of tubers per plant in each plot. Plant height was measured at 30, 45, 60 DAS and at harvest then averaged and expressed in centimetres. However, the average number of tubers per plant was obtained by counting the tubers from the selected plant at harvest. For calculation of relative composition of weeds, by counting the number of weed species at 1.0 m2 randomly at one place in each plot at 15, 30, 45 and 60 DAS then expressed in per cent. Amongst the herbicidal weed management treatments, Paraquat dichloride 24% SL @ 2.0 L/ha had a significantly taller plants at 45 and 60 DAS and also produces the highest average number of tubers per plant. With respect to the relative composition of weeds, sedges (Cyperus rotundus L.) contributed the most to total weeds, followed by grasses (Cynodon dactylon L.) and broad-leaves weeds (Chenopodium album L., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Sonchus oleraceus L., Anagalis arvensis L., Oxalis spp., Spergula arvensis L.) at 15, 30, 45 and 60 DAS during both years. It is concluded that the application of Paraquat dichloride 24% SL @ 2.0 L/ha control weeds more efficiently thereby it helps in vigorous plant growth thus ultimately increases the number of tubers per plant.

Technical means for environmentally safe resource-saving plant protection technology

The paper discusses the problems of plant protection from weeds and the need to improve methods of weed control in the production of agricultural products, describes the methods of control used. The design of an improved fire cultivator for burning weeds in gardens and vineyards by thermal method, as well as the technological process of its operation, is presented.

Micro Electric Shocks Control Broadleaved and Grass Weeds

A search for energy efficient, non-herbicide weed control methods led to development of a novel electrical weeding technology. This study focuses on weed control efficiency and energy as elements of a system that would include machine vision and robotics to control escape weeds in field crops. Two pulse generation systems, one single and one multiple, were developed and evaluated at different delivered voltages and energies. Greenhouse trials using specially designed and built application and recording technology showed the application of precisely applied micro-shocks with precisely controlled direct current (DC) voltage, pulse number, pulse length and period (hereafter PMS) can kill small Lolium multiflorum Lam., Chenopodium album L., Amaranthus powellii S. Wats. and Solanum nigrum L. plants with minimal energy. Plants took as much as two weeks to die. Increasing applied energy increased effectiveness as determined by plant biomass reduction and death rate. Grasses appear difficult to control once tillering has commenced, and high voltages may destroy leaf blades but not growing points. Broadleaved plants took several days to show evidence of chlorosis which preceded senescence and death. Our results showed that 5 J is sufficient energy to bring about death or severe growth limitation in many seedlings up to 15 cm height. This is as little as 1% of the energy of, and more effective than, ultra-low energy treatments reported in other recent research. To control five herbicide resistant weeds m−2, the required energy would be about 0.25 MJ ha−1 plus transport and actuation energy for weed destruction, as compared to an optimum target of about 20–40 MJ ha−1 including transport suggested in the literature. PMS can effectively control broadleaved weed seedlings and small non-tillering grasses at a fraction of the energy required by commercially available systems. This indicates PMS has potential as a viable technology for hand-held electric weeders or as part of a site-specific robotic weeding system.

Reduction of Weed Growth under the Influence of Extracts and Metabolites Isolated from Miconia spp.

Weeds pose a problem, infesting areas and imposing competition and harvesting difficulties in agricultural systems. Studies that provide the use of alternative methods for weed control, in order to minimize negative impacts on the environment, have intensified. Native flora represents a source of unexplored metabolites with multiple applications, such as bioherbicides. Therefore, we aimed to carry out a preliminary phytochemical analysis of crude extracts and fractions of Miconia auricoma and M. ligustroides and to evaluate these and the isolated metabolites phytotoxicity on the growth of the target species. The growth bioassays were conducted with Petri dishes with lettuce, morning glory, and sourgrass seeds incubated in germination chambers. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, isolated myricetin, and a mixture of quercetin and myricetin. The results showed that seedling growth was affected in a dose-dependent manner, with the root most affected and the seedlings of the lettuce, morning glory, and sourgrass as the most sensitive species, respectively. Chloroform fractions and myricetin were the most inhibitory bioassays evaluated. The seedlings showed structural changes, such as yellowing, nonexpanded cotyledons, and less branched roots. These results indicate the phytotoxic potential of Miconia allelochemicals, since there was the appearance of abnormal seedlings and growth reduction.

Effects of different application methods of spent coffee grounds on weed growth

AbstractThe extensive and intensive use of herbicides has resulted in the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds in many crop production systems; therefore, it is imperative to devise new organic weed control methods. Recently, the application of spent coffee grounds (SCG) in agricultural fields has been found to inhibit plant growth and germination and is thus considered a potentially effective weed control measure. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different amounts and methods of SCG application on weed growth through field experiments. The field experiments were conducted in an upland field converted from a paddy in western Japan. The results show that the plow-in application of over 10 kg m−2 of SCG and mulching application of 20 kg m−2 decreased the weed dry weight compared with the control. In addition, the growth of weed species of families other than Gramineae, such as wingleaf primrose-willow and horseweed, was not significantly affected by SCG application. Weed species of families other than Gramineae are dominant in some upland fields. Hence, the inhibitory effect of SCG on weeds may be lower in original upland fields than in the upland field converted from paddy field that was investigated in the present study. Overall, this study demonstrated that the plow-in application of 10 kg m−2 of SCG every 4 mo was effective for weed control in an upland field converted from a paddy field. Because SCG worked against grass weeds under the specific conditions in this study, it would be valuable to explore other potential applications of this novel means of weed control.

Herbicide use in conventional cereal production in northern Greece: An appraisal through the theory of planned behavior.

Herbicides are the major method of weed control in most conventional cropping systems, but what affects farmers' intention to use herbicides has not been studied extensively. This study examined herbicide use among cereal farmers of northern Greece and tested for the first time whether the theory of planned behavior (TPB) can explain farmers' behavior in the adoption of herbicide use. Most farmers showed favorable attitudes towards herbicide use (71.2%), high levels of perceived behavioral control (PBC) of herbicide use (62.4%), and positive intention to use herbicides (67.6%). By contrast, most farmers (60.4%) were negative in following the advice of others in the adoption of herbicides. Finally, most farmers (82.8%) used herbicides in cereal production. The TPB explained 47.6% of the variation in farmers' intention to use herbicides. Logistic regression showed that intention and PBC positively affected (P < 0.01) farmers' behavior in herbicide use, explaining 45.8-76.2% of the variation in farmers' behavior. Path analysis showed that attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC had a direct impact on intention. Gender had an indirect impact on intention through PBC, while age and farming as a main profession had an indirect impact on intention through attitudes and subjective norms. Furthermore, education had an indirect impact on intention through attitudes and PBC. Farmers' intentions and behavior in the use of herbicides in cereal production could be explained by the TPB. Attitudes showed the strongest total effect on the intention to use herbicides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Problem of Weed Infestation of Agricultural Plantations vs. the Assumptions of the European Biodiversity Strategy

Meeting the nutritional needs of a dynamically developing global society is a major challenge. Despite the modernisation of agriculture, huge losses in the quality and quantity of crops occur each year, mainly due to weed species, which are the most important biotic limitation to agricultural production. Globally, approximately 1800 weed species cause a 31.5% reduction in plant production, which translates to USD 32 billion per year in economic losses. However, when the same herbicides are frequently applied, plants develop segetal immune mechanisms. There are currently around 380 herbicide-resistant weed biotypes worldwide. Due to the negative influence of herbicides on ecosystems and the legal regulations that limit the use of chemical crop protection products, it is necessary to develop a new method of weed control. Bioherbicides, based on living organisms or their secondary metabolites, seem to be an ideal solution. The biocontrol market is worth around EUR 550 million in Europe and EUR 1.6 billion worldwide, with an estimated 15% growth expected by 2025. Despite numerous studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of microbial bioherbicides, only 25 mould-based bioherbicides are currently available to growers. Due to the high specificity and selectivity of biological crop protection products, as well as their low production costs and non-toxicity to the environment and human health, they would appear to be a safe alternative to chemical pesticides.

Use of Under-Vine Living Mulches to Control Noxious Weeds in Irrigated Mediterranean Vineyards.

This article assesses the use of under-vine living mulches in Mediterranean vineyards characterized by limited water resources, one of the reasons why this agronomic practice is currently unusual in these environments. The aim of the study was to test whether the use of this alternative method in Mediterranean vineyards could suppress noxious weeds without hindering optimal vineyard development. For this purpose, four native species were selected as living mulches: Festuca ovina, Pilosella officinarum, Plantago coronopus, and Plantago lanceolata. The variables measured during three years in two different experimental farms were: (a) living mulch cover, as a possible predictor of weed suppression success; (b) weed density and weed biomass, with special attention to noxious weed species; and (c) pruning weights, measured in the last year to analyze the cumulative effect of the treatments on the grapevine vegetative growth. Our results revealed that living mulches with high cover rates (average over 70%) also showed weed suppression of up to 95%, significantly controlling the occurrence of noxious weeds such as Erigeron canadensis. No significant effect of the different treatments on vine vegetative growth was found, although further studies would be necessary. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that under-vine living mulches could be an efficient and environmentally friendly method for weed control in Mediterranean vineyards where irrigation is available.

Weed Control Methods Used in Agriculture

One of the most challenging duties in an agricultural field is weed control. Weed control is a major problem for peasant framers everywhere. This paper's objectives are to reviewing and reporting the weed management practices utilized in Ethiopian agriculture and to recommend the viability of mechanizing weeding operations for the further research. In agriculture, three weed management techniques are frequently used. These are chemical, mechanical, and manual control. Farmers that are convinced of its benefits quickly adopt mechanical weed control. In addition to pulling weeds out from between the rows of crops, mechanical weed management maintains the soil's top loose, improving soil aeration and water absorption. Mechanical weeding saves time and labor while lowering labor costs also. Some weeding tools that are powered by animals are effective in terms of time and money savings. Herbicides are occasionally used by farmers; however, they are not often used in farming. In conclusion, weed control is one of the most essential and expensive operation in agriculture. Weeding by mechanical device reduces the cost of labour and also saves time than any other methods of weed control. Therefore, instead of manual weeding and using chemicals, the use of a mechanical weeding machine should be given priority.

Vineyard Management and Its Impacts on Soil Biodiversity, Functions, and Ecosystem Services

Healthy soils form the basis of sustainable viticulture, where soil characteristics have a direct impact on wine quantity and quality. Soil not only provides water and nutrients to vines, but is also a living medium containing micro- and macroorganisms that perform many ecological functions and provide ecosystem services. These organisms are involved in many processes, from decomposing organic matter to providing minerals to vine roots. They also control diseases, pests, and weeds, in addition to improving the soil structure in terms of its capacity to retain water and nutrients. Related to decomposition processes, the carbon content of vineyard soils influences fertility, erosion and biogeochemical cycles, with significant implications for the global climate. However, common agricultural practices represent strong threats to biodiversity and associated ecosystem services provided by vineyard soils. As consumers increasingly consider environmental aspects in their purchase decisions, winegrowers have to adapt their vineyard management strategies, raising the demand for sustainable pest- and weed-control methods. This article presents a comprehensive review of the impacts of vineyard practices on the soil ecosystem, biodiversity, and biodiversity-based ecosystem services, and provides future prospects for sustainable viticulture.