Integrated strategies for effective weed management and improved yield of maize

The impact of integrated weed management practices (herbicides and mulching) on weeds and morpho-physiological traits and the yield of maize was evaluated in a field experiment using a split plot design with three replications during rainy (Kharif) season 2022. The treatments comprised of three levels of rice straw mulch in main plots and five weed management treatments in subplots. The higher the level of residue (8 t/ha), the greater was the reduction in weed incidence, weed biomass, and weeds nutrient uptake, which ultimately resulted in better maize growth and yield when compared to residue level of 5 t/ha and no residue mulch. Among weed management options, sequential use of atrazine 1.0 kg/ha followed by tembotrione 0.120 kg/ha resulted in grater reduction in weed density, biomass and nutrient uptake per unit area which led to improved maize morphological and physiological parameters, higher yield, harvest index and nutrient uptake.