Energy balance studies of weed control practices in rainfed cotton

Energy dynamics of the weed control options adopted in rainfed cotton was valuated in a study conducted at College farm, PJTSAU, Hyderabad, Telangana State during kharif, 2017 in red and black soils. Three doses of Diuron (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 kg ha⁻¹), pendimethalin 38.7% CS at 677 g ha⁻¹ as PE followed by sequential application of pyrithiobac sodium 10% EC 62.5 g ha⁻¹ + quizalofop p ethyl 5% EC 50 g ha⁻¹, intercropping of cotton with green manure crop (Sunhemp), mechanical weeding thrice at 20, 40 and 60 DAS (weed free), polymulch and unweeded control were the treatments included in RBD design which was replicated thrice. The energy balance studies were determined by using direct and indirect energy. The results indicated that the maximum energy input was required for polymulch in both the soils. Highest kapas energy output (EOk) was observed in polymulch and mechanical weeding which was followed by diuron 1.0 kg ha⁻¹ PE fb pyrithiobac sodium + quizalofop p ethyl Po Ein red soil, whereas in black soils, diuron 0.75 kg ha⁻¹ PE fb pyrithiobac sodium + quizalofop p ethyl PoE followed polymulch and mechanical weeding treatments. EUE of both kapas and total output was significantly higher in diuron 1.0 kg ha⁻¹ PE fb pyrithiobac sodium + quizalofop p ethyl PoE in red soil. While in black soil, significantly highest EUE of kapas and total output was recorded in diuron 0.75 kg ha⁻¹ PE fb pyrithiobac sodium + quizalofop p ethyl PoE.