Integrated Weed Management in Maize (Zea mays) under Rainfed Conditions

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (Kharif) season of 2005 and 2006 at Agronomy Research farm, Kumarganj, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh to study the effect of weed management on weeds and yield of maize under rainfed condition. None of the pre-emergence herbicides alone provided desired control of weeds. However, inclusion of one hand weeding at 30 DAS with pre-emergence herbicides markedly improved weed control efficiency (WCE), yield attributes, grain and stover yield, nitrogen uptake and soil moisture retention. Two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS proved most effective in controlling weeds (WCE 66.2%) followed by alachlor @ 2.0 kg a.i./ha + HW at 30 DAS. Significantly highest grain and stover yield, nitrogen uptake and protein yield were recorded under weed free treatment followed by two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS and alachlor @ 2.0 kg a.i./ha + HW at 30 DAS. Lowest moisture depletion was recorded under weed free treatment followed by two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS. The total water use from root zone was not affected significantly by different weed management practices.