1Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
2Department of Agronomy, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sirugamani-639 115, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India
3Department of Agronomy, Agriculture Research Station, Bhavanisagar-638 451, Tamil Nadu, India
4Department of Crop Physiology, Maize Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vagarai-624 613, Tamil Nadu, India
5Department of Soil Science, Maize Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vagarai-624 613, Tamil Nadu, India
6Department of Seed Science Technology, Maize Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vagarai-624 613, Tamil Nadu, India
7Department of Agronomy, Maize Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vagarai-624 613, Tamil Nadu, India
*Corresponding Author: R. Narmadha, Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Tamil Nadu, India, Email: narmadharaj97@gmail.com
Online published on 1 October, 2024.
Weeds are one of the most important elements influencing crop productivity. Tillage practices have a significant effect on the weed seed bank and the appearance of weeds, both of which have a direct impact on farm productivity. Different tillage strategies based on ploughing depth, as well as weed control practices, change the dynamics of weed seeds in the soil. This research will aid in the development of integrated weed control methods by investigating the interaction between tillage and weed management practices.
Field trials were carried out in two seasons, Summer and Kharif 2022, using a split-plot design with three tillage methods and four weed management practices. The treatments were replicated three times.
Among the different tillage treatmentsMouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator recorded the lowest weed density. With respect to weed management methods, pre- and post-emergence herbicide application and hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS recorded the lower weed density. Interaction effects of tillage and weed management practices resulted in lower weed density in Mouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator with herbicide application and Mouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator with hand weeding. Highest weed density was recorded under Cultivator fb Rotovator in unweeded control. With respect to relative density, among the broad-leaved weeds (BLW) Trianthema portulacastrum and Dactyloctenium aegyptium in grasses dominated among the weed species in 30 and 60 DAS respectively. From the present study it was concluded that the Mouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator with hand weeding twice or herbicide application reduces the weed emergence from the soil weed seed bank.
Cowpea, Maize, Tillage, Weed density, Weed management practices
