Weed Growth Research Articles

The infiltration variability under oil palm plantation related to moss and understory vegetation covers in terrestrial and riparian sites in Jambi, Indonesia

Abstract The capacity and contribution of each understory vegetation group to infiltrate transmitted precipitation and moisten the soil are to be revealed. Recently, common findings on infiltration rate under oil palm are well reported, however, it does not include the role of each vegetation group to support water availability to the oil palm plantation. The specific objective of this study is to identify the role of each understory vegetation group consisting of moss and weeds on cumulative infiltration rate and infiltration capacity in the terrestrial area and riparian zone of oil palm plantations consisting of smallholder and corporate farmers in dry and rainy seasons. The total covering rate of both vegetation types amounted to 61.7%. In the active path of terrestrial area weed growth dominated the surface cover of oil palm plantations in both seasons, where the cover of weeds reached 67.8% and moss covers at the level of averagely 11.3%. The total covering rate by the vegetation was 79.1%, and 20.9% of the surface area was without any vegetative protection. In the riparian area, there was no evidence of the difference of infiltration rate measured in Ks both in the circle area and active path area, which reached very low at the value of 1.74-4.02 cm h−1 in the dry season and 3.29-3.88 cm h−1 in the rainy season. However, in the terrestrial area at the active path area, the Ks value reached an average of 12.13 cm h−1 in the dry season and 5.86 cm h−1 in the rainy season. The Ks-value in the oil palm circle in the terrestrial area showed no difference value, which was a very low category value ranging from 3.37-3.80 cm h−1. The cumulative value of infiltrated water during the first four hours in the riparian zone in the active path ranged from 10.35 to 18.52 cm. This value is lower than cumulative infiltrated water in the terrestrial area, ranging from 25.83-110.55 cm in the first 4 hours of infiltration time.

Effect of soil nutrient management on soil weed seed bank dynamics across a soil fertility gradient in smallholder farms, Eastern Zimbabwe

Weed seed banks are latent biotic stress contributors to low crop production among smallholder farms. The objective of this study was to investigate effect of repeated soil nutrient amendments on weed seed bank dynamics in eastern Zimbabwe. Soil samples were taken from three farms with low, medium and high soil organic carbon (SOC) along the catena. Sampled treatments included varying combinations of compound D (7%N, 14%P, 7% K) fertiliser, cattle manure and lime. Weeds that emerged per plot were counted by species and data was tested for normality before running a linear mixed-effects model and Restricted Maximum Likelihood. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to establish the relationship between seasons, SOC, soil nutrient amendment, and emerged weeds. Significant (p < .05) species richness (Margalef index), and Shannon Weiner index were recorded in the medium (6.4g kg-1soil), high (8 g kg-1 soil) and low (< 3.9 g kg-1soil) SOC. Weed species emergence was significantly (p < .05) influenced by the level of SOC along the catena positions, representing results from the source. Emergency and abundance of weeds such as Richardia scabra, was associated with low SOC acidic sandy soils from the upper catena. However, application of nutrients (NPK+lime treatment) reduced weed species counts from 1.96±0.12 to 1.4±0.12. Cattle manure and NPK+CM treatments recorded significantly higher weed emergence, and weed biomass; compared to the control. Clearly, cattle manure treatments significantly increase the soil weed seed bank; thus, weeding intensity is likely to increase in cattle manure treated fields.

Potential of Mango Leaf Methanol Extract (Mangifera indica L.) as A Bioherbicide Against The Growth of Putri Malu Weed (Mimosa pudica L.)

Putri Malu (Mimosa pudica L.) is a weed that often found in various places, especially on agricultural land and plantations. Mangifera indica L. has potential as a bioherbicide because it contains aleochemical compounds, which inhibit the growth of other plants. This research aims to determine the potential and the best concentration of methanol extract of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L.) in inhibiting the growth of putrimalu weed (Mimosa pudica L.). This research was carried out for four months, in the Kasa House Laboratory, Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tanjungpura University. The research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five mango leaf extract concentration treatment levels, namely control (P0), 10% (P1), 20% (P2), 30% (P3), and 40% (P4). Each treatment was repeated five times to obtain 25 experimental units. The results showed that the methanol extract of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L.) had an effect on inhibiting the germination and growth of the M. pudica weed. The best concentration of methanol extract of mango leaves in inhibiting the germination and growth of putrimalu weed is a concentration of 20%.

Optimizing bioherbicide application timing and plant spacing to manage weed growth in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation

Weed management is crucial for successful rice cultivation. Bioherbicides derived from cogon grass extract offer a promising solution for weed control. Additionally, optimizing plant spacing has been recognized as an effective method to suppress weed growth. Thus, this study aims to investigate the impact of cogon grass extract application timing and plant spacing on weed growth in rice cultivation. The study was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The study was 3 × 2 factorial and arranged in a randomized completely block design (RCBD). The first factor was the bioherbicide application timing: control (no application), three days before planting, and at the time of planting. The second factor was plant spacing: 15 × 15 and 25 × 25 cm. In total, there were six treatment combinations and three replications (replications as blocks). The research results indicated the application timing of bioherbicide did not significant effect on the growth of weed and rice, as well as the grain dry weight. Fimbristylis miliacea was obtained as the dominant weed species. Bioherbicide application at the time of planting could alter the composition of weed species compared to the control in plant spacing of 15 × 15 cm. Furthermore, the plant spacing of 25 × 25 cm resulted in higher grain and weed dry weight (19.40 g/clump and 45.00 g/0.25 m2) compared to 15 × 15 cm (12.92 g/clump and 23.04 g/0.25 m2). On the contrary, the grain dry weight per hectare was higher in 15 × 15 cm (5.74 t/ha) than in 25 × 25 cm (3.10 t/ha). The research findings indicate that closer plant spacing can suppress weed growth and increase the grain dry weight per hectare compared to wider plant spacing. We recommend that the use of cogon grass extract dosage needs to be increased above 50 L/ha.

Influence of establishment methods and seed coating techniques on the performance of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Periyar Vaigai command area of Tamil Nadu

Rice is a crucial staple crop cultivated extensively in command areas worldwide. In the command areas, the release of water varies due to the inadequate amount of rainfall in the source area and its proper supply. To combat such situations, direct seeding (DS) methods can be opted for; however, lacunae like excess seeds per drop, scattering of seeds, and intercultural operations like thinning, gap filling, and excess weed growth need a clear refinement to enhance the profitability of rice cultivation. Therefore, a research trial was conducted during 2022-24 at Central Farm, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, to evolve a suitable direct seeding method. The present investigation was laid out under a split-plot design comprising four main plot treatments and four subplot treatments replicated thrice. The main plot treatments comprised different seeding methods (S) and the subplot treatments comprised different seed coating techniques (P). Based on the experimental results, paper roll seeding and DS + Seed coating @ 2% KNO3 fb Bacillus sp. and Azospirillum (PR + P-KN) combination performed better on establishment with grain (6150 kg/ha) and straw yield (7824 kg/ha) respectively. Regarding the B:C ratio, OS-GP + P-KN resulted in higher with 2.64, closely followed by PR + P-KN with 2.61. The least effect was recorded in the combination of round slots in rice drum seeder and dry seeding (RS + DS). Investigating different techniques of direct seeding and seed coating is essential across various regions, particularly in regulated areas where water discharge remains unpredictable.

Vermicompost: Significance and Benefits for Agriculture

Vermicomposting is defined as the process of biodegradation and stabilization of organic materials, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of earthworms and mesophilic microorganisms. The activity of earthworms in vermicomposting results in the production of nutrient-rich vermicompost. This organic amendment is abundant in macro and micronutrients, vitamins, growth hormones, as well as enzymes like proteases, amylases, lipase, cellulase, and chitinase. Additionally, vermicompost harbors a diverse community of immobilized microflora. Even after being excreted by the worms, the enzymes in vermicompost persist in their ability to decompose organic matter, facilitating continued breakdown and nutrient release. The utilization of vermicompost in agricultural production brings forth a multitude of beneficial effects. These include decreased water requirements for irrigation, reduced susceptibility to pest and termite attacks, suppression of weed growth, and enhanced seed germination rates, accelerated growth and development of seedlings, as well as increased yield of fruits per plant in vegetable crops and a higher number of seeds per year in cereal crops. These advantages highlight the positive impact of incorporating vermicompost into agricultural practices, fostering sustainable and productive farming systems. The combination of earthworms and vermicompost presents a valuable opportunity to enhance horticultural production in a sustainable manner, reducing reliance on agrochemical inputs. Despite the numerous benefits associated with vermicompost, its widespread implementation and adoption are still relatively limited. This review aims to raise awareness and promote the understanding of this valuable local soil amendment.

Nutrient Composition of Detoxified Oil Cake from Simarouba glauca

Vermicomposting is defined as the process of biodegradation and stabilization of organic materials, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of earthworms and mesophilic microorganisms. The activity of earthworms in vermicomposting results in the production of nutrient-rich vermicompost. This organic amendment is abundant in macro and micronutrients, vitamins, growth hormones, as well as enzymes like proteases, amylases, lipase, cellulase, and chitinase. Additionally, vermicompost harbors a diverse community of immobilized microflora. Even after being excreted by the worms, the enzymes in vermicompost persist in their ability to decompose organic matter, facilitating continued breakdown and nutrient release. The utilization of vermicompost in agricultural production brings forth a multitude of beneficial effects. These include decreased water requirements for irrigation, reduced susceptibility to pest and termite attacks, suppression of weed growth, and enhanced seed germination rates, accelerated growth and development of seedlings, as well as increased yield of fruits per plant in vegetable crops and a higher number of seeds per year in cereal crops. These advantages highlight the positive impact of incorporating vermicompost into agricultural practices, fostering sustainable and productive farming systems. The combination of earthworms and vermicompost presents a valuable opportunity to enhance horticultural production in a sustainable manner, reducing reliance on agrochemical inputs. Despite the numerous benefits associated with vermicompost, its widespread implementation and adoption are still relatively limited. This review aims to raise awareness and promote the understanding of this valuable local soil amendment.

Production of PLA/cellulose derived from pineapple leaves as bio-degradable mulch film

Mulch films were fabricated from polylactic acid (PLA) with cellulose nanocrystals (PNC) extracted from pineapple leaves. The PNC was modified by incorporating 4 wt% triethoxyvinylsilane (TEVS), designated as 4PNC, to enhance its interaction with PLA. The films incorporated varying concentrations of PNC (1, 2, 4, and 8 wt%). The results indicated that higher PNC concentrations increased the water vapor permeability (WVP) and biodegradability of the composite films, while reducing light transmission. Films containing 4PNC, particularly at 4 wt% (PLA/4PNC-4), exhibited an 11.18 % increase in elongation at break compared to neat PLA films. Moreover, these films showed reduced light transmission, correlating with decreased weed growth, reduced WVP, and enhanced barrier properties, indicative of improved soil moisture retention. Additionally, PLA films with 4PNC demonstrated greater thermal degradation stability than those with unmodified PNC, suggesting enhanced heat resistance. However, there was no significant difference in aerobic biodegradation between the PLA films with PNC and those with 4PNC. This study confirms that TEVS-modified cellulose significantly enhances the properties of bio-composite films, making them more suitable for mulch film applications.

Optimization and Characterization of Biochar Obtained from the Weedy Biomass of Calotropis gigantea Using Vacuum Pyrolysis

The excessive growth of invasive weeds causes adverse economic and environmental effects. In the present study, invasive weed Calotropis gigantea was pyrolyzed under optimized parameters of 450° and 50-100 mm particle size for 1.00 hour of reaction time for biochar production. The biochar was characterized by the presence of a high carbon content of 64.65% and low H/C and O/C molar ratios of 0.08 and 0.15, respectively. The biochar was observed with high surface area of 99.91m2/g and pore volume of 0.0398cm3/g along with mineral fractions such as K-1.33%, Na-1.17%, Mg-1.05%. Strong FTIR bands were observed at 1994.1 cm-1, 1110 cm-1, and 745 cm-1, representing allenes (R 2C=C=CR 2), aryl alkyl ethers (R – O – R), and aromatic (C–H) bending. All these parameters indicate its potential in the applications such as carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, environment pollutants adsorption (both organic and inorganic), and soil improvement.

Influence of cultivation methods on the soil aggregate state in the context of weed development in winter wheat plantations

Weed control in winter wheat crops is an important issue. There is a risk of increasing populations of certain weed species that are resistant to some of herbicides used for winter wheat crops. This could be controlled by a combination of agronomic, mechanical, chemical, and biological methods. After introducing winter wheat into the rotation and improving tillage, the weediness of regular black soils with perennial root and emerged weeds were significantly reduced. The formation of nodal and rudimentary roots had a significant effect on the productivity of winter wheat under different soil moisture conditions. The highest yield of winter wheat was obtained when sown at the optimum time, with higher stem density and ear productivity due to better grain fullness. We studied what effects did the tillage methods have on the aggregate state of the soil in relation to weed development in winter wheat crops, finding that the structural and aggregate composition of the soil played an important role in winter wheat crops, influencing both the development of the crop root system and the water-physical balance of the chernozem, as well as naturally influencing the course of erosion processes in the experimental plots, and having a universal dynamic in terms of adaptation of aggregation and disaggregation processes. Prolonged mechanical stress on soil can cause destruction of its structure. For instance, continuous ploughing or moldboardless tillage with little or no manure application may permanently reduce soil fertility by increasing humus mineralisation. Subsequently, these factors may cause a significant decline in the soil's structural and aggregate composition, resulting in larger amounts of dusty particles smaller than 0.25 mm and cloddy particles larger than 10–12 mm. The soil's structural condition before sowing winter wheat in early September, on average for 2011–2016, indicates increased dispersion of the tilth layer (0–10 cm) in the experimental variants where shallow disc tillage of 10–12 cm was applied. Increase in the number of clods larger than 10 mm in the areas where moldboardless tillage had been applied can be attributed to significant soil drainage. The soil's aggregate state was rated as good, with 8.7% in the 0–10 cm soil layer and 1.7% of clods > 10 mm in the 0–30 cm layer. In 2014–2016, it was rated as satisfactory, with 7.4% and 9.8% of clods > 10 mm, respectively. Shallow disc cultivation resulted in slightly worse indicators: 6.6% and 8.3% of clods > 10 mm in soil layer 0–10 cm and 0–30 cm, respectively, in 2011–2013; and 7.2% and 6.9% of clods > 10 mm, respectively, in 2014–2016. In general, the parameters of optimal structural condition were positive. The tillage method used had a considerable effect on weed growth and development, particularly for those with a root and rhizome structure. It also affected the prevalence and development of pests and diseases in winter wheat. Agrotechnical methods of weed control do not guarantee complete destruction of weeds. Mechanical moldboardless tillage to the depth of 14–16 cm and disc tillage to the depth of 10–12 cm left the fields with 4.1 to 8.8 annual weeds per square meter and 1.3 to 3.3 specimens of harmful root weeds such as Convolvulus arvensis, Lactuca tatarica and Cirsium arvense. Mechanical moldboardless tillage to the depth of 14–16 cm and disc tillage to the depth of 10–12 cm left the fields with 4.1 to 8.8 annual weeds per square meter and 1.3 to 3.3 specimens of harmful root weeds such as Convolvulus arvensis, Lactuca tatarica and Cirsium arvense. Post-harvest residues (4–5 t/ha) can provide almost complete protection against weeds by covering the soil surface. However, pests and diseases may spread more easily due to preservation of fungal spores on the surface of plant residues and preservation of pest larvae in the straw and soil. The distribution of weed seeds in the soil was altered when the rotational tillage of common chernozems in winter wheat cultivation technology had been replaced with energy–saving minimum tillage (shallow flat-cutting disc tillage). This resulted in the concentration of most of the weed seeds (85–90%) in the upper soil layer (0–10 cm).

Plant density and variety effect on yield, leaf spot disease, weed species richness and diversity of groundnut production in northern Ghana

AbstractLow plant density and weed infestation are major challenges for groundnut production in northern Ghana. A two‐year on‐farm study was conducted to determine the effect of plant density and variety on grain and fodder yields, incidence of leaf spot disease, weed species diversity and biomass. A factorial treatment combination of 6 varieties and 4 plant densities laid in strip plot design with 4 replications was used. The varieties were (early maturity type: Chinese, Yenyewoso, Samnut 23 and late maturity type: Azivivi, Manipinta, Samnut 22). The plants density included 9, 11, 15 and 22 plants/m2. The late maturity varieties recorded higher (p < .05) canopy cover, grain and fodder yields relative to that of the early maturity varieties. The late maturity varieties also recorded the least sedge weed species frequency, density and incidence of leaf spot disease compared with that of the early maturity varieties. The canopy cover, grain and fodder yields increased with increasing plant density. Broadleaf weed species frequency and density, weed biomass, richness, and diversity declined with increasing plant density. Grain yield showed negative and significant correlation with broadleaf weed species frequency, density and weed biomass. The results suggest that both early and late maturity groundnut varieties can be planted at a density of 22 plants/m2 to increase grain and fodder yields and reduce weed species richness, diversity and growth in northern Ghana and similar agro‐ecology in West Africa.

Effect of sowing management and herbicides application on weeds and yield of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum)

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 at research farm of College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh to study the impact of planting time and herbicides application on weeds and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) yield. Experiment was conducted in a split plot design with 20 treatments comprising of 4 dates of sowing, viz. October 15th, October 30th, November 15th and November 30th in main plots and these were superimposed with 5 weed control treatments i.e. Pyroxasulfone 125 g/ha as pre emergence; Pyroxasulfone 125 g/ha at 14 DAS; Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first cutting; Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first and second cutting, replicated thrice. Berseem variety JB 05-9 was sown in the experimental field with recommended package of practices. There was predominance of dicot weeds as compared to monocot in berseem at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Among the dicot weeds, Medicago truncatula Gaertn. (37.48%) and Cichorium intybus (L.) (27.74%) were predominant. However, other weeds like Cyperus rotundus (L.) (13.79%), Anagallis arvensis (L.) (11.21%) and Chenopodium album (L.) (9.78%) were also present in good numbers. Sowing of berseem in the thermal regimes of 15th October and application of Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first and second cutting was most effective treatment for curbing the growth of weeds as it attained the minimum density and dry weight of weeds during both the years. However, sowing of 15th October with application of Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first cutting recorded the superior values of growth parameters, yield attributing traits, green fodder yield, dry matter yield and seed yield and found more remunerative as it fetched the higher NMR and B:C ratio as compared to other combinations.

Effect of live mulches, cover crops and herbicides on weed flora, growth and yield of direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa)

A field investigation was conducted during the rainy season of 2014 and 2015 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to study the effect of live mulches, cover crops and herbicides on weed flora, growth and yield in direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). At 60 days after sowing (DAS), amongst the weed management treatments, Sesbania cover crop followed by (fb) bispyribac Na 25 g/ha + azimsulfuron 30 g/ha at 15 DAS reduced weed density of various weeds and dry weight than sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) cover crop fb bispyribac Na 25 g/ha + azimsulfuron 30 g/ha at 15 DAS thus resulting in the lowest weed index except hand weeding at 15 and 35 DAS. Sesbania cover crop fb bispyribac Na 25 g/ha + azimsulfuron 30 g/ha at 15 DAS markedly improved plant height, tillers/m2 , dry-matter accumulation, leaf-area index, chlorophyll content and yield attributes, viz. panicle length, panicle weight, panicles/m2, grains/panicle and 1,000-grain weight. Sesbania cover crop fb bispyribac Na 25 g/ha + azimsulfuron 30 g/ha at 15 DAS improved the grain and straw yields with higher gross returns, net returns and benefit: cost ratio than sunnhemp cover crop fb bispyribac Na 25 g/ha + azimsulfuron 30 g/ha at 15 DAS. Sesbania cover crop fb bispyribac Na 25 g/ha + azimsulfuron 30 g/ha at 15 DAS exhibited lower nutrients (NPK and Zn) uptake by weeds and higher nutrients (NPK and Zn) uptake by crop than hand-weedings at 15 and 35 DAS.

Dynamics of weeds and main pests in different rice planting systems supplemented with biodecomposer

Biodecomposers are used as an alternative in pest and weed management by utilizing antagonistic microbes. This study aimed to identify the optimal treatment for suppressing weed growth and controlling the main rice pests, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Observations were made on three phases of rice growth on land that used biodecomposer and did not use biodecomposer. Weed sampling used a quadrant, which represents each treatment. All weeds were analyzed for density and summed dominance ratio. Pests were observed from the sweep net method. Pests were analyzed with the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’). Ten species of weeds are found; the most common and dominant was Cyperus difformis, while the least were Ipomoea aquatica and Ludwigia octovalvis. There were seven pest species; the most common was Nephothettix virescens, while the least was Valanga nigricornis. Using bio-decomposers combined with a two-row planting system was effective in suppressing the development of weeds and pests with a decreasing trend as the rice growing phase increases. Biodecomposers are environmentally friendly even though the process is slow, and have the potential to reduce weeds and pests.Keywords: biodecomposers, Jarwo 2:1, Tegel, trichoderma

Chemical weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and its residual effects on greengram (Vigna radiata)

Chemical weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and its residual effects on greengram (Vigna radiata)

Effects of different management practices on the growth and yield of corn

In Indonesia, corn is an important commodity that serves as the second source of carbohydrates after rice, whose productivity is influenced by management practices applied during cultivation. This research aimed to determine the effects of different management practices on the growth and yield of corn. This research was arranged in a single-factor Randomized Complete Block Design, with different agriculture management practices as treatments, consisting of TI1 = Best Practices (Drip Irrigation + Rice Husk + Mycorrhiza), TI2 = Farmers’ Practices (Furrow Irrigation) + Mycorrhiza, and TI3 = Farmers’ practices (Furrow Irrigation). The data observed were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and followed by the Post Hoc Tukey’s HSD at α= 5%. The results showed that the TI1 produced significantly higher plant height, stem diameter, leaf dry weight, weight of cob with cornhusk and kernel dry weight, and effectively suppressed weed growth compared to TI2 and TI3. TI1 produced a significantly higher number of leaves, root dry weight, and total dry weight compared to TI3, but not significantly different compared to TI2. TI1 produced not significantly different stem dry weight and harvest index compared to TI2 and TI3. The kernel dry weight per plant observed in TI1 was 157.63 g, which was 14.22% and 22.91% higher than in TI2 and TI3, respectively. Based on the coefficient correlation and path analysis, the number of leaves, plant height, and total dry weight should be considered as important plant growth variables to produce high kernel dry weight.

Ultraviolet Shielding Performance of Coconut Coir as a Filler in Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Plastic Mulch

Plastic mulch is a layer of material applied to the soil surface to maintain moisture retention in the soil by preventing evaporation, reduce weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching underlying weeds, and optimize fertilizer use by minimizing nutrient loss to the environment. However, the degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a thermoplastic commonly used for mulching, into microplastics due to exposure to UV radiation. This research explored the potential of coconut coir, a natural fiber with a high lignin content ranging from 30 to 46%, as a UV protective agent. The objective was to develop biodegradable plastic-based mulch composites that have better resistance to UV exposure by incorporating coir as a filler material in LDPE-based composites. Different ratios of coconut fiber were used (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%), and Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MAH) was used as a binder at 2% of total weight mixed with LDPE in a rheomixer (80 rpm, 120°C for 10 min). The resulting plastic mulch bio-composites were evaluated for thermal, mechanical, UV resistance, and biodegradability properties. The results showed that the higher addition of coconut coir resulted in a decrease in the thermal and mechanical characteristics of the composite. However, the addition of higher coconut coir in the composite at 40% can provide an increase in the composite's resistance to ultraviolet light exposure, and the properties are easily degraded by the environment (biodegradable).

Land-Use Transitions and Its Driving Mechanism Analysis in Putian City, China, during 2000–2020

Investigating the spatial-temporal evolution of land use and its driving forces provides a scientific basis for policy formulation, land-use structure adjustment, and ecological civilization development. Using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, this study analyzed remote sensing images from 2000, 2010, and 2020 to derive basic land-use data for Putian City and its five districts and counties. These data were then systematically analyzed using methodologies such as Single Land-use Dynamics and Geo-informatic Tupu to reveal the characteristics of land-use transitions (LUTs), and the spatial-temporal evolution pattern over the past two decades in Putian City, China. Subsequently, socioeconomic conditions and macro policies were identified as driving factors to further explore the mechanisms behind land-use evolution in the study area through canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The findings revealed that: (1) The predominant land-use structure in Putian City consisted mainly of cultivated land and forest land, with other land types interspersed within them, while built-up land exhibited continual outward expansion. (2) Various regions within Putian City exhibited varying degrees of abandoned farmland, ultimately transforming into wasteland (grassland) with weed growth, presenting significant challenges for ensuring food security and mitigating the conversion of cultivated land to non-agricultural and non-grain uses. (3) Specific macro-economic development objectives during distinct periods, particularly urban expansion and the growth of the secondary industry resulting from municipal and county mergers, emerged as pivotal factors driving the spatial and temporal evolution of land use and influenced the differential distribution pattern across Putian City. Consequently, this study suggests bolstering scientific planning and implementing effective regulations concerning land use, and it advocates for the efficient utilization of space-time resources pertaining to cultivated land, integrating them with agriculture, culture, and tourism endeavors. Such measures are proposed to ensure the harmonized and sustainable development of the regional ecological economy.

JUSTIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION AND TECHNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF THE STRIP-TILL SECTION FOR STRIP TILLAGE WITH THE APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS

The STRiP-TiLL technology came from the USA, where at a certain stage, as a result of changes in the external environment, it was formed from the technology of direct seeding, or No-Till. This tillage technology is most suitable for row crops. Yes, it was primarily developed in North America specifically for corn. Gradually, it proved itself well during the cultivation of other row crops, in particular, sunflower, soybean, sugar beet, etc. Strip cultivation, as a resource-saving technology with the prospect of its application in arid conditions, is quite promising in the cultivation of industrial crops. The key principles of implementing the strip-till technology are the separate type of its application, i.e. the formation of strips and sowing are spread over time, or combined - when the processes of forming strips and sowing are carried out simultaneously. World agricultural engineering offers various technical and technological solutions for the implementation of strip-till technology, based on the application of the principles of separate and combined methods of implementing this technology, in which they use: in the first version - separate machines for forming strips and sowing, in the second - about combine them into one unit and use one universal unit. One of the features of strip tillage is the possibility of using various chemicals and mineral fertilizers at the same time as sowing seeds, which makes it possible to make the fertilizing process quite precise and targeted, placing active substances right near the roots of the plants. Strip-Till allows you to integrate oxygen into the soil with part of the fertilizers when plants with a short growing cycle are planted. This improves plant development by eliminating stress. Passing the rollers on both sides of the seed line eliminates the air pocket left by the paws, promoting ideal plant growth. Loosening only the seed line limits or eliminates inter-row weed growth while creating a water storage area that will percolate to the roots of the harvested plants.

Modeling weed seedling emergence for time-specific weed management: a systematic review

Abstract Understanding the timing of weed emergence is crucial to effective management. Management practices implemented too early may fail to completely control late-emerging seedlings, whereas management practices implemented too late will suffer from low efficacy. Weed emergence times reflect biological factors, such as seed dormancy and germination requirements, as well as environmental conditions. We conducted a systematic review of studies that developed models to predict weed emergence temporal patterns. We screened 1,854 studies, 98 of which were included in the final dataset. Most of the studies included were conducted in North America (51%) or Europe (30%). A wide variety of weed species (102) and families (21) were included, and many studies modeled several weeds. Grass weeds (Poaceae) were modeled most frequently (83 instances). Most weeds (40%) had base temperature ${T_{\rm{b}}}$ values between 0 and 5 C, and 38% had base water potential ${{\rm{\psi }}_{\rm{b}}}$ ranging from −1.0 to −0.5 MPa. Most studies used empirical parametric models, such as Weibull (40%) or Gompertz (30%) models. Nonparametric and mechanistic models were also represented. Models varied in their biological and environmental data requirements. In general, empirical parametric models based on hydrothermal time (i.e., time above base temperature and water potential thresholds) represented a good balance between ease of use and prediction accuracy. Soft computing approaches such as artificial neural networks demonstrated substantial potential in situations with complex emergence patterns and limited data availability, although they (soft computing approaches) can be susceptible to overfitting. Our study also demonstrated variability in model performance and limited generalizability across species and regions. This finding underscores the need for context-specific and well-validated weed emergence models to inform management, especially in the context of climate change.