1ICAR, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland (797 106), India
2Department of Agronomy, SASRD, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, Medziphema, Nagaland (797 106), India
*Correspondence to E-mail: tong_lkr@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 3 April, 2014.
The present investigation was conducted to determine the effect of weed competition on growth and yield of soybean. Field experiment was conducted during kharif season, 2005 at the experimental farm of Nagaland University, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural development, Medziphema. Nagaland. Dominant weed species observed in the experimental field were Amaranthus viridis, Ageratum conyzoides, Cassia tora, Chromalaena odorata, Mimosa pudica (among broad leaved), Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eleusine indica, Imperata cylindrica (among grasses) and Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus iria (among sedges). Soybean yield was adversely affected by the weeds due to their competition for nutrients and moisture during early growth stages. The critical period of weed competition was between 14–54 days after sowing. Weed free and weedy period exhibited significant effects on No. of pods per plant, test weight, seed yield and stover yield.
Critical period, soybean, weed competition
