Biochar and integrated phosphorus management suppress weed density in maize crop

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 491-498
Author(s):  
Salman Ali ◽  
Muhammad Arif ◽  
Mehran Ali ◽  
Muhammad Afzaal ◽  
Gohar Saeed ◽  
...  

Weeds pose a significant threat to successful crop production. To meet the increasing future food demand, sustainable and efficient weed control remains a cornerstone practice. Usage of high doses of herbicides for killing weeds has created several ecological and environmental problems which cannot be overlooked. Therefore, other weed control practices and techniques should be adopted to minimize weed-crop competition and increase the growth and productivity of crop, instead of chemicals. An experiment was established at Agronomy Research Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar to evaluate the effects of biochar and organic-inorganic P sources on density, fresh and dry weight of weeds in maize during 2016. Experiment was executed using randomized complete block design and treatments included biochar (0 and 10 tonnes ha-1) and three sources of P; FYM, PM and one DAP. Phosphorus at the rate of 100 kg ha-1 was applied in such a way that each plot received 50, 75 and 100% P from PM or FYM and the rest from DAP. Biochar and P sources significantly affected density, fresh and dry weight of weeds at 25 and 50 days after sowing of crop. 10 tonnes ha-1 biochar reduced weed density and fresh and dry weight of weeds at both intervals i.e. 25 and 50 days after sowing. Similarly, lower weed density, weed fresh and dry weight with addition of PM or FYM and DAP in 50:50 ratios. Sole FYM and PM resulted in higher weed density and weeds fresh and dry biomass. It is concluded that 10 tons ha-1 biochar and P application 50% from FYM or PM and 50% from DAP improved maize growth and reduced weed competition.

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-66
Author(s):  
Haseeb Ahmad

An experiment entitled: Maize yield as affected by methods of tillage and weed control methods was conducted at Agronomy Research Farms, The University of Agriculture Peshawar during summer 2016. The study was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having four replications. Tillage practices 1) Chisel plough + rotavator 2) Mouldboard plough + rotavator 3) Cultivator + rotavator and 4) Rotavator were assigned to main plots. Weed management practices included 1) Control, 2) Hoeing 15 days after sowing 3) Hoeing 15 and 30 days after sowing 4) Hoeing 15, 30 and 45 days after sowing, and 4) Herbicide (nicosulfuron) were kept into the subplots. The results revealed that chisel plough + rotavator has significantly reduced weeds m-2 (122, 101 and 125 weeds m-2), weeds fresh weight (19.73 g m-2, 116.35 g m-2 and 252.56 g m-2) and weeds dry weight (6.83 g m-2, 38.69 g m-2 and 80.61 g m-2) at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing, respectively. The operation of chisel plough + rotavator has produced tallest plants (221.22 cm) with maximum grain rows ear-1 (16), grain yield (3586 kg ha-1) and shelling percentage (78.14%). Among weed control methods, hoeing 15, 30 and 45 days after sowing revealed maximum plant height (226.41 cm), grain rows ear-1 (16), grain yield (3604 kg ha-1) and shelling percentage (79.11%). All weed control methods have showed significant reduction in weeds m-2, weeds fresh weight and weeds dry weight. Interaction was also found significant for weeds m-2 at 60 DAS and grain yield of maize. Lowest weeds (56 weeds m-2) at 60 DAS and highest grain yield (4569 kg ha-1) was recorded when seedbed was prepared with chisel plough + rotavator with 3 hoeings (hoeing 15, 30 and 45 days after sowing). It is concluded that treatment of chisel plough + rotavator and hoeing 15, 30 and 45 days after sowing has significantly produced maximum grain yield of maize crop.


2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Takim

Field studies were conducted in 2010 and 2011 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria (9°29′ N, 4°35′ E) to evaluate the effect of early weed competition on the growth and yield of maize. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block (RCBD) with a split-plot arrangement and three replications. The main plots consisted of three weed control treatments included weedy (no herbicide), grass weeds (pre-emergence atrazine) and broadleaf weeds (pre-emergence metolachlor), while the sub-plots consisted of six durations of weed infestation (3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks after emergence). The pre-emergence herbicides had a greater effect on weed density and weed dry weight. Weed seedling emergence and weed dry weight increased significantly with an increase in the duration of weed interference. The grasses and broadleaf weeds had a similar influence on the growth and grain yield of maize. Three to five weeks of weed interference gave similar grain yields, which were significantly higher than those obtained in plots that had 6-8 weeks of weed interference. These results suggest that the maize crop must be kept free of weeds for 6-8 weeks after the application of pre-emergence herbicide to minimize weed-crop competition and harvest a good grain yield.


Author(s):  
G. Bagwasi ◽  
C.R. Chinnamuthu ◽  
P. Murali Arthanari ◽  
P. Malarvizhi ◽  
C.N. Chandrasekhar

Background: Globally, grain legumes are the paramount family of agricultural crops following cereals. Generally, sequence cropping has manifested effectual in increasing farm productivity and profitability. However, sometimes herbicides administered in previous crop may be associated with phytotoxic effects that can later cause damage to the succeeding crops. The present study aimed to understand the residual effect of extreme levels of atrazine on succeeding cowpea under maize-cowpea cropping system. Methods: Field experiments were conducted during Kharif and rabi season of 2019-20 and 2020-21 in a randomized block design with eleven treatments, replicated thrice. Result: Residual effect of pre-emergence atrazine at 0.50 kg a.i. ha-1 followed by tembotrione at 120g a.i. ha-1 as post-emergence at 25 DAS recorded the lowest total weed density (4.41), total weed dry weight (9.81 g m-2) and highest weed control efficiency (39.25%) during rabi 2019-20 while during rabi 2020-21 lowest total weed density (5.03), total weed dry weight (10.68 g m-2) and highest weed control efficiency (39.65%) were noticed in pre-emergence atrazine 50% WP at 2.00 kg a.i. ha-1. Highest seed yield (788.67 and 842.33 kg ha-1) was obtained in weed free treatment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wasiu Olanrewaju OPADOKUN ◽  
Kehinde Stephen OLORUNMAIYE

A field experiment was conducted at the botanical garden of the University of Ilorin to determine the effects of weed density and distance on the growth and yield of two varieties of okra (NHAe-40 days and Kirikoi). The experiment was a complete randomized block design with eleven treatments and three replicates. The treatment details include T0 = No weed, T1 = One weed per plant T2= Two weeds per plant, T3 = Three weeds per plant, T4 = Four weeds per plant, T5 = Five weeds per plant, T6 = Six weeds per plant, T7 = Seven weeds per plant, T8 = Eight weeds per plant, T9 = Nine weeds per plant and T10 = Ten weeds per plant.  Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, shoot Fresh and dry weight as well as yield parameters was carried out at the end of the experiment. The result depicts a significant decrease in the vegetative growth and yield parameters with increasing weed density in both varieties. Irrespective of the weed distance, all yield parameters decreased significantly with increasing number of co-habiting weeds except for plant co-habited with one weed at 20 cm and 30 cm weed distance which was significantly the same with the control in both varieties. The result is an indication that absence of weed or early control of weed should be done at the early weeks of growth before the onset of flowering if maximum production is expected.


2019 ◽  
pp. 61-67

Recognition of high yielding and nitrogen (N) fixing groundnut genotypes and desegregating them in the cereal-based cropping systems common in savannah regions will enhance food security and reduce the need for high N fertilizers hence, minimize the high cost and associated environmental consequences. Field trials were conducted during the 2015 growing season at the Research Farms of Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru-Zaria to assess the yield potential and Biolog- ical N fixation in 15 groundnut genotypes (ICG 4729, ICGV-IS 07823, ICGV-IS 07893, ICGV-IS 07908, ICGV- SM 07539, ICGV- SM 07599, ICGV-IS 09926, ICGV-IS 09932, ICGV-IS 09992, ICGV-IS 09994, SAMNUT-21, SAMNUT-22, SAMNUT-25, KAMPALA and KWANKWAS). The groundnut genotypes and reference Maize crop (SAMMAZ 29) were planted in a randomized complete block design in three replications. N difference method was used to estimate the amount of N fixed. The parameters determined were the number of nodules, nod- ule dry weight, shoot and root dry weights, pod, and haulm yield as well as N fixation. The nodule dry weight, BNF, haulm, and pod yield were statistically significant (P<0.01) concerning genotype and location. Similarly, their interac- tion effect was also highly significant. ICGV-IS 09926 recorded the highest nod- ule dry weight of 2.07mg /plant across the locations while ICGV-IS 09932 had the highest BNF value of 140.27Kg/ha. Additionally, KAMPALA had the high- est haulm yield, while ICGV-IS 07893 had the highest pod yield across the loca- tions with a significant interaction effect. The result shows that ICGV-IS 07893 and ICGV-IS 09932, as well as ICGV-IS 09994 and SAMNUT – 22, were the best genotypes concerning BNF, haulm and pod yield in the Northern Guinea and Sudan Savannahs of Nigeria respectively with the potential for a corresponding beneficial effect.


Author(s):  
Beza Shewangizaw Woldearegay ◽  
Anteneh Argaw ◽  
Tesfaye Feyisa ◽  
Birhan Abdulkadir ◽  
Endalkachew Wold-Meskel

In sub-Saharan Africa, multiple plant nutrients deficiency besides nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is a major growth-limiting factor for crop production. As a result, some soils become non-responsive for Rhizobium inoculation besides P application. Based on the soil test result, the soil of Experimental sites had low organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulphur (S) and zinc (Zn)[xy1]. Hence, an experiment was carried out on-farm at Gondar Zuria woreda in Tsion and Denzaz Kebeles to evaluate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation, S and Zn application on yield, nodulation, N and P uptake of chickpea. The experiment included twelve treatments developed via factorial combination of two level of inoculation (Rhizobium inoculated, un-inoculated), three level of S (0, 15, 30 kg Sulphur ha-1) and two levels of Zn (0, 1.5 kg Zinc ha-1). The treatment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that the highest mean nodule number (15.3) and nodule volume (1.3 ml plant-1) over locations were obtained with Rhizobium inoculation integrated with 15 kg S and 1.5 kg Zn ha-1 which resulted in 37.8% and 116.7% increment over the control check, respectively. It was also observed that combined application of Rhizobium and 30 kg S ha-1 caused the highest (6.7) mean nodulation rating and seed yield (1775.5 kg ha-1) over locations which resulted in 86.1% and 28 % increase over the control check, respectively. Moreover, this treatment improved P use efficiency of chickpea. On the bases of observed result, it can be concluded that the response of chickpea to Rhizobium and P application can be improved by S application and Rhizobium inoculation with application of 30 kg S ha-1 with recommended rate of P and starter N is recommended for chickpea production at the experimental locations in Gonder Zuria Woreda.


2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhirender Choudhary ◽  
P. K. Singh ◽  
N. K. Chopra ◽  
S. C. Rana

A field investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of herbicides and their mixtures on weeds in wheat (<italic>Triticum aestivum</italic> L.) cv. PBW-343. Minimum weed density per m<sup>2</sup> and weed dry weight (5.13 and 17.31g) was recorded with sulfosulfuron at 25g ha<sup>−1</sup> followed by clodinofop at 60g + metsulfuron methyl at 4g ha<sup>−1</sup> (5.19 and 18.45g), metribuzin at 200gha<sup>−1</sup>(5.85 and 25.98g), pendimethalin at 1000g fb 2,4-Dat400g ha<sup>−1</sup> (6.49 and 31.73g) and hand weeding twice(7.01 and 35g), respectively. Also, maximum weed control efficiency was recorded under sulfosulfuron at 25g ha<sup>−1</sup> (83.85%) followed by clodinofop at 60g + metsulfuron methyl at 4g ha<sup>−1</sup> (83.17%) and metribuzin at 200g ha<sup>−1</sup> (75.85%), respectively. All the weed control treatments recorded significantly higher harvest index than the weedy check (40.24). Among various herbicidal treatments, application of clodinofop at 60g + metsulfuron methyl at 4g ha<sup>−1</sup> recorded highest harvest index (41.91) followed by sulfosulfuron at 25 gha<sup>−1</sup> (41.83) and pendimethalin at 1000g fb2,4-Dat 400gha<sup>−1</sup> (41.25) respectively. The harvest index recorded under clodinofop at 60g + metsulfuron methyl at 4g ha<sup>−1</sup> and sulfosulfuron at 25 g ha<sup>−1</sup> was significantly at par with weed free (42.06).


2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Razzaq ◽  
Zahid Cheema ◽  
Khawar Jabran ◽  
Mubshar Hussain ◽  
Muhammad Farooq ◽  
...  

Reduced Herbicide Doses Used Together with Allelopathic Sorghum and Sunflower Water Extracts for Weed Control in WheatWater extracts from allelopathic crops possess the potential to control weeds effectively, especially when used in combination with reduced rates of herbicides. Label doses of different herbicides and their seventy percent reduced doses, were combined with 18 l/ha each of allelopathic sorghum and sunflower water extracts (WE). This combination was sprayed 30 days after sowing (DAS) for weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Maximum reduction in total weed density and dry weight over the control, was recorded in a field sprayed with mesosulfuron + idosulfuron (Atlantis 3.6 WG) at 14.4 g active substance (a.s.)/ha. However, sorghum + sunflower WE each at 18 l/ha combined with doses which had been reduced by 70% of mesosulfuron + idosulfuron (Atlantis 12 EC at 36 g a.s./ha), or metribuzin + phenoxaprop (Bullet 38 SC at 57 g a.s./ha) or mesosulfuron + idosulfuron (Atlantis 3.6 WG at 4.32 g a.s./ha), reduced total weed dry weight by more than 90%, over the control. Sorghum and sunflower water extracts each at 18 l/ha combined with metribuzin + phenoxaprop (Bullet 38 SC at 57 g a.s./ha) produced a maximum number of productive tillers, spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, biological yield and grain yield. Moreover, this treatment was the most economical along with having the maximum net benefits. The results suggested that weeds can be controlled in wheat, for a higher yield, when a 70% reduced herbicide dose is used in combination with allelopathic sorghum and sunflower water extracts.


2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenyi Li ◽  
Rene C. Van Acker ◽  
Darren E. Robinson ◽  
Nader Soltani ◽  
Peter H. Sikkema

White bean tolerance and weed control were examined by applying halosulfuron alone or in combination with pendimethalin, dimethenamid-P, orS-metolachlor applied PRE. All herbicides applied alone or in combination caused less than 3% visible injury 1 and 4 wk after emergence (WAE). Halosulfuron applied PRE provided greater than 95% control of common lambsquarters, wild mustard, redroot pigweed, and common ragweed and less than 55% control of green foxtail at 4 and 8 WAE. Weed density and dry weight at 8 WAE paralleled the control ratings. Dry bean yields in halosulfuron plus a soil applied grass herbicide did not differ compared to the weed-free control. Green foxtail competition with halosulfuron PRE applied alone resulted in reduced white bean yield compared to the weed-free control.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Jiunn Luh Tan ◽  
Kok Yu Ang ◽  
Min Hui Chow ◽  
Eunice Ting Yee Lee ◽  
Kuan Hoong Lee ◽  
...  

Palm oil production results in many valuable products, but it also generates agricultural wastes such as empty fruit bunch (EFB). EFB composting usually produces nutrient-enriched bio-fertilisers and thus, able to help in reducing the chemical fertilisers applied. Most conventional vegetable farmers in Malaysia solely depend on chemical fertilisers in crop production. However, the intensive use of chemical fertilisers has led to various side effects. Thus, this study was to determine the effect on the growth of choy sum by reducing the dosage of chemical fertiliser with EFB compost as soil amendments. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) methods were used in this study. The fresh weight, dry weight and plant height of the choy sum were found to be not significantly different among all the treatments (T1 – T4) and positive control. This study found that T4 with 30% lesser chemical fertiliser applied showed no significant growth difference with the rest of the treatments indicating that EFB may have the ability to help in reducing chemical fertiliser usage in the growth of choy sum. Further study is recommended as this will help in better EFB waste management and lowering the cost of production for local vegetables.


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