Weed Flora Dynamics in Maize (Zea mays L.) Field as Influenced by Cover Crop Types and Planting Densities at Jalingo, Northeast, Nigeria

Aim: Competition from weeds is an obstacle to profitable maize production. Knowledge of weed species limiting productivity is essential for sustainable management. A two years field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of a leguminous cover crop, akidi (Vigna unquiculata sub-sp sequipedalis) and two non-leguminous cover crops (melon and sweet potato) planted at three densities on weed flora composition and shift in maize at Jalingo, North-eastern Nigeria. Study Design: There were 11 treatments replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Methodology: Low, moderate and high densities (20,000, 30,000 and 40,000 stands/ha respectively) of Akidi, Melon and Sweet potato (A1, A2, A3, M1, M2, M3, S1, S2, S3) with weeded (C1) and unweeded (C2) checks constituted the treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Weed flora abundance, percentage density, percentage frequency, frequency index and percentage contributions were determined from a 50cm x 50cm quadrat thrown twice per plot at various phases of maize growth. Results: Thirteen weed families made up of 11 broad leaves, one grass and one sedge were identified. The abundance was in the order Broad leaf > Grass > Sedges. The most abundant weed species were: Imperata cylindrica L (3.8), Mucuna utilis (3.0), Oldenlandia herbacea L. (2.6) Sida acuta Burm F, Tridax procumbens L. (2.5 each), Leucas martinicensis, Pennisetum pedicellatum (2.3 each). Commelina benghalensis, Cyperus difformis (3.5), Digitaria horizontalis, Fimbristylis littoralis (2.8 each). The influence of selected cover crops on individual weed percentage the contribution shows: Commelina benghalensis ( C2<C1 < M <S< A), Euphorbia hyssopifolia (C2<M/S < A<C1), Euphorbia heterophylla (M<S<A), Leucasmartinicensis (C1<C2<M<A<S), Mucunautilis (S<M<C1<C2<A) and Sida acuta (M<S<A<C2<C1) while grassy weeds, Imperata cylindrical (A<C2<S<M), Pennisetum pedicellatum (A<C2), Digitaria horizontalis (C1/ C2< A < M <S), Kyllinga squamulata (M/S <C2<A <C1). Commelina spp. increased in status from an accessory (21.2%) to abundance (66.7%) while others increased from rare to accessory (from 0.0 to 20-40%). Conclusion: Akidi was more effective on broad-leaved weeds while melon and sweet potato were more effective on grasses and Commelina benghalensis need to be monitored.

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Effects of Some Cover Crops on Light Extinction and Weed Coverage in Sunflower Field

Cercetari Agronomice in Moldova ◽

10.2478/cerce-2014-0014 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

pp. 29-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

S. Hassannejad ◽

A.R. Mobli

Keyword(s):

Extinction Coefficient ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Cover Crop ◽

Agricultural Research ◽

Block Design ◽

Light Extinction ◽

Research Station ◽

Hairy Vetch ◽

Weed Species ◽

Weed Cover

Abstract In order to evaluate the effects of some cover crops on extinction coefficient and weed cover percentage in sunflower, a field experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with nine treatments and three replicates at the Agricultural Research Station, Tabriz University of Iran, during growing season 2012-2013. Treatments were triticale, hairy vetch, rapeseed, triticale + hairy vetch, triticale + rapeseed, hairy vetch + rapeseed, application of trifluralin herbicide, and controls (weed infested and weed free without planting cover crop). Result indicated than once established, living mulches can rapidly occupy the open space between the rows of the main crop and use the light that would otherwise be available to weeds. In the all cover crops treatments, the light extinction coefficient was increased and weed cover percentage was reduced. Highest reduction in total weed species was observed in hairy vetch + rapeseed and triticale + rapeseed cover crop 61.92% and 61.43 %, respectively, compared to weed infested, so this treatment was better than trifluralin application. It concluded that cover crops could be considered as integrated strategies for weed sustainable management.

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Weed infestations in soybean grown in succession to cropping systems with sorghum and cover plants

Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s1678-3921.pab2020.v55.01640 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 55 ◽

Author(s):

Joilson Sodré Filho ◽

Ricardo Carmona ◽

Robélio Leandro Marchão ◽

Arminda Moreira de Carvalho

Keyword(s):

Cover Crops ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Block Design ◽

Weed Species ◽

Importance Value ◽

Randomized Complete Block Design ◽

Weed Diversity ◽

Weed Infestation ◽

Urochloa Brizantha

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of sorghum and cover plant cropping systems before soybean cultivation on the occurrence of weeds during soybean growing in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates. The treatments comprised six cropping systems before soybean: sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha), and Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis) as cover plants, alone or intercropped, in addition to fallowing. Weeds were evaluated as to: density, dry matter mass, diversity, importance value, and similarity. The greatest similarity of weeds ocurred in single crops of sorghum, palisade grass, and Congo grass, in comparison with their intercroppings. Congo grass before soybean promoted a greater reduction in weed diversity overtime, when compared with palisade grass. The absence of cover crops before soybean cultivation increased weed infestation during the soybean cycle. The cropping systems with sorghum intercropped with cover crops before the soybean cultivation affect the diversity and the importance value of weed species.

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WEEDS IN SOYBEAN CULTIVATION WITH DIFFERENT PREDECESSOR COVER CROPS

JOURNAL OF NEOTROPICAL AGRICULTURE ◽

10.32404/rean.v8i2.5890 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. e5890

Author(s):

Pedro Henrique Gomes Pinto ◽

Sebastião Ferreira Lima ◽

Maria Gabriela Oliveira Andrade ◽

Lucymara Merquides Contardi ◽

Jorgiani Ávila ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seed Bank ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Cover Crop ◽

Block Design ◽

Weed Species ◽

No Till ◽

Randomized Block Design ◽

Crop Development ◽

Raphanus Sativus L ◽

Fodder Radish

The competition between soybean and weeds affects crop development due to reduced resources such as water, light, and nutrients, leading to yield losses. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate quantitatively and qualitatively, through phytosociology and seed bank, the weed presence in a soybean cultivation area with different predecessor cover crops. The experiment was installed under no-till system conditions using a randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments were composed of the following cover crops, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), crotalaria (Crotalaria ochroleuca), millet (Pennisetum americanum), Urochloa ruziziensis, U. brizantha cv. Piatã, fodder radish (Raphanus sativus L.), U. brizantha cv. Xaraés, millet + fodder radish, and fallow. The soybean crop was established on the cover crops in the 2019/20 harvest. Soybean characteristics, the seed bank, and weed phytosociology were evaluated. The highest soybean yield was obtained with U. ruziziensis as predecessor cover crop, reaching 4530 kg ha-1. It was concluded that the following cover crops, sorghum, crotalaria, and millet, were the ones that most suppressed the soil weed seed bank. Contrarily, the fallow provided the greatest viable seed number. The weed species Eleusine indica, Digitaria insularis, and Cenchrus echinatus had higher phytosociological values in all treatments.

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The Roles of Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson and Ridge Terrace in Reducing Soil Erosion and Nutrient Losses in Oil Palm Plantation in South Lampung, Indonesia

Journal of Tropical Crop Science ◽

10.29244/jtcs.3.2.49-55 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 49-55 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yenni Asbur ◽

Sudirman Yahya ◽

Kukuh Murtilaksono ◽

Sudradjat Sudradjat ◽

Edy Sigit Sutarta Sigit Sutarta

Keyword(s):

Cover Crops ◽

Oil Palm ◽

Soil Conservation ◽

Cover Crop ◽

Block Design ◽

Organic C ◽

Oil Palm Plantation ◽

Randomized Complete Block Design ◽

Two Factors ◽

Asystasia Gangetica

Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson is a weed commonly found on oil palm plantations and can be used as cover crop for mature oil palm plantations due to its tolerance to shading. The use of cover crop is a soil conservation technique to support sustainable availability of soil nutrients by reducing erosion and nutrients loss, particularly during the rainy seasons. This research aims to determine the roles of A. gangetica as cover crop for measures against erosion and nutrients loss in mature oil palm plantation. This research was conducted in oil palm plantation, Unit Rejosari, PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) VII, District of Natar, South Lampung Regency from August 2014 to April 2015. The research used split block design in randomized complete block design with two factors and six replications. The main plots were ridge terrace, namely with and without ridge terrace. The sub plots were cover crops, namely with and without cover crops A. gangetica. The results show that using A. gangetica as cover crops in mature oil palm plantations effectively minimized erosion and loss of organic C, N, P, and K by 95.7%, 93.4%, 96.0%, and 90.0 %, respectively. The use of cover crop became more effective when combined with ridge terrace and reduced erosion by 94.1% and loss of organic C, N, P and K by 99.1%, 99.2%, 90.0% and 98.5%, respectively.

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Weed Biomass and Weed Species Diversity of Juvenile Citrus Trees Intercrop with some Arable Crops

Notulae Scientia Biologicae ◽

10.15835/nsb417166 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 131-136

Author(s):

Patience Mojibade OLORUNMAIYE ◽

Stephen Olaoye AFOLAYAN

Keyword(s):

Sweet Potato ◽

Block Design ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Control Plot ◽

Mucuna Pruriens ◽

Weed Species ◽

Arable Crops ◽

Randomized Block Design ◽

Tridax Procumbens ◽

Citrus Trees

A preliminary study was carried out to evaluate the performances of eight crops in the intercrop of citrus with arable crops at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) Ibadan, Nigeria. Eight arable crops: maize, cucumber, sweet potato, Corchorus olitorius, large green, grain amaranth, Mucuna pruriens var. utilis, and groundnut were intercropped with young citrus trees in the early planting season of 2010 with sole citrus as control. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design with three replicates. Data were collected on weed flora, weed density and weed dry weight. Results showed that the relative frequencies of weeds in all the plots were less than 4% at both 6 and 9WAP. Gomphrena celosoides, Oldenlandia corymbosa and Tridax procumbens were most preponderant in appearing in all the plots. Tridax procumbens had a consistent relative frequency (2.34%) in all the plots except in citrus/maize plot (0.78%) at 9 WAP. Significantly lower broadleaf weed densities were obtained in citrus/sweet potato, citrus/large green, control plot and citrus/cucumber (28.67, 45.00, 50.00 and 76.33 m-2 respectively) than in citrus/groundnut plot (143.00 m-2). Similarly, significantly lower grass weed densities were produced in citrus/Mucuna and citrus/sweet potato (0.33 m-2 each) plots than the control plot (11.33 m-2). Whereas citrus/corchorus plot produced significantly lower broadleaf weed dry weight (37.59 g m-2) than citrus/Mucuna plot (126.47 g m-2) at 3WAP, citrus/large green plot (16.15 g m-2) and citrus/groundnut plot (123.25 g m-2) followed the same trend at 6 WAP. Sedges dry weights were less than 7 g m-2 in all the plots compared with control plot.

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Effects of Incorporated Rye and Hairy Vetch Cover Crop Residue on the Persistence of Weed Seeds in the Soil

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/wsc.2017.80 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 66 (3) ◽

pp. 379-385 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Charles L. Mohler ◽

Alan G. Taylor ◽

Antonio DiTommaso ◽

Russell R. Hahn ◽

Robin R. Bellinder

Keyword(s):

Cover Crops ◽

Cover Crop ◽

Crop Residue ◽

Block Design ◽

Chenopodium Album ◽

Hairy Vetch ◽

Weed Species ◽

Vicia Villosa ◽

Giant Foxtail ◽

The Many

AbstractIncorporation of cover crop residue into the soil has been suggested as a means for reducing weed seedbanks. To explore this hypothesis, we buried mesh bags of seeds mixed with sand at 15-cm depth in late fall in plots that had been planted with rye (Secale cerealeL.) or hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth.) or left unplanted. Separate bags contained either velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrastiMedik.), giant foxtail (Setaria faberiHerrm.), Powell amaranth (Amaranthus powelliiS. Watson), or common lambsquarters (Chenopodium albumL.). The experiment used a randomized complete block design with five replications, and enough bags were buried to allow a final recovery in each of the following three springs. Each spring, bags were exhumed, and seeds were either counted and tested for viability or mixed with chopped cover crop material or simply stirred for control bags, and the material was reburied. The experiment was completed twice with initial burials in fall of 2011 and 2013. Rye had no consistent effect on persistence of seeds of any of the species. For two observation intervals, rye increased persistence of a species; for another two intervals, it decreased persistence relative to the control; but mostly rye did not affect persistence. Hairy vetch decreased persistence ofC. albumandA. powelliiin both runs of the experiment but had no effect on persistence ofA. theophrastiandS. faberi. Germination of the first two species is promoted by nitrate, whereasA. theophrastigermination is not sensitive to nitrate, andS. faberiis only rarely nitrate sensitive. We suggest that nitrate released during decomposition of hairy vetch may have promoted fatal germination ofC. albumandA. powellii. Incorporation of legume cover crops like hairy vetch may provide a means for decreasing the seedbanks of the many weed species whose germination is promoted by nitrate. The lack of any reduction ofA. theophrastiandS. faberiseed persistence in response to hairy vetch and the inconsistent and mostly negligible effect of rye indicate that a general increase in readily decomposable organic matter through incorporation of cover crops may be ineffective at reducing weed seedbanks.

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The impact of stubble crop on spring barley weed infestation

Acta Agrobotanica ◽

10.5586/aa.1674 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 69 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Eleonora Wrzesińska ◽

Anna Komorowska ◽

Grażyna Nurkiewicz

Keyword(s):

Cover Crop ◽

Spring Barley ◽

Block Design ◽

Control Treatment ◽

White Mustard ◽

Weed Species ◽

Fresh Matter ◽

Species Dominance ◽

Weed Infestation ◽

The Impact

The condition and degree of weed infestation were determined in a spring barely crop grown in a short-term monoculture after mulching the soil with plants grown as a stubble crop (the control treatment without cover crop – lacy phacelia, white mustard, sunflower). The field experiment was carried out in 2010–2013 on good rye soil complex using a split-block design in four replications. The obtained results (the mean from all years of the experiment) showed that the stubble crop, especially sunflower, reduced the diversity of weed species without causing at the same time changes in weed species dominance. In all the control treatments of the experiment, <em>Chenopodium album</em> and <em>Fallopia convolvulus</em> were the dominant species. The degree of spring barley weed infestation depended on the species grown in the cover crop. White mustard and lacy phacelia slightly increased the number of weeds but their fresh matter significantly increased. However, the sunflower cover crop significantly increased the number of weeds without any substantial differentiation of their fresh mass.

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Allelopathic Influence of Germinating Seeds and Seedlings of Cover Crops on Weed Species

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/s0043174500094376 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 44 (3) ◽

pp. 579-584 ◽

Cited By ~ 46

Author(s):

Melinda L. Hoffman ◽

Leslie A. Weston ◽

John C. Snyder ◽

Emilie E. Regnier

Keyword(s):

Cover Crops ◽

Cover Crop ◽

Resource Competition ◽

Petri Dish ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Weed Species ◽

Allelopathic Potential ◽

Below Ground ◽

Allelopathic Interference ◽

Radicle Length

Bioassays using binary mixtures that included a cover crop with known allelopathic potential and a weed species were employed to determine the importance of allelopathy compared to resource competition as interference mechanisms. Responses of weed species germinated with cover crops in a petri dish were measured. Interference between weed and cover crop seedlings was determined in a greenhouse experiment using the additive design, which included partitions to reduce above- and below-ground competition and used capillary mat subirrigation to control moisture and fertilizer availability. Germinating sorghum reduced radicle length of weeds, whereas germinating rye tended to increase weed radicle length. Methods limited above-ground competition, so likely interference mechanisms were below-ground competition and allelopathy. Germination with a cover crop had little effect on germination and shoot length of weeds. Increased density of rye but not of sorghum reduced growth of barnyardgrass seedlings. Reduced number of barnyardgrass leaves in the presence of rye was likely due to allelopathy. Suppression of barnyardgrass dry weight attributed to allelopathic interference by rye was successfully separated and compared to the combined effects of competition and allelopathy.

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EFFECT OF POPULATION DENSITY OF SWEET POTATO ON THE YIELD OF MAIZE-SWEET POTATO INTERCROP FOR WEEDS SUPPRESSION IN SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH NIGERIA

JOURNAL OF WEED SCIENCE RESEARCH ◽

10.28941/pjwsr.v26i2.853 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 215-230

Author(s):

Felix O Takim

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Sweet Potato ◽

Block Design ◽

Crop Productivity ◽

Weed Suppression ◽

Cost Ratio ◽

Weed Species ◽

Planting Time ◽

Guinea Savanna ◽

Weed Infestation

ABSTRACT Maize–sweet potato intercropping often results in weed suppression and increased crop productivity. This study was designed to determine the appropriate planting time and optimal density of sweet potato in a maize-sweet potato intercropping system that will minimize weed infestation and improve yield of the component crops in a drought-prone southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. The experiment was laid as a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and 3 replications in 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. The main plots were planting time (May, June and July) while the sub-plots consisted of 3 maize-sweet potato intercropping populations(maize at 53,333 plants/ha + 33,333 plants/ha of sweet potato, maize at 53,333 plants/ha + 66,666 plants/ha of sweet potato and maize at 53,333 plants/ha +99,999plants/ha of sweet potato), sole maize at 53,333 plants/ha and sole sweet potato at 33,333 plants/ha. The results revealed that, 7 weed species were the most prevalent and there was inconsistent effect of planting date on weed flushes while weed smothering efficiency of intercropping was between 31 to 49 % and 48 to 73% for weed density and weed biomass, respectively. Intercropping resulted in land equivalent ratios (LER) of 1.29 to 1.74 while the competitive ability of maize was increased with an increase in sweet potato density. Planting in the month of June had significantly higher tuber yield of 9.56 t/ha of sweet potato and maize grain yield of 3.28 t/ha while intercropping 33,333 plants/ha of sweet potato (1 vine of sweet potato planted at 0.40m apart on the ridge and 0.75m between ridges) and maize at 53,333 plants/ha (0.25m x 0.75m) gave an intercrop yield of 7.32 t/ha tubers and 3.46 t/ha grain yield with highest LER of 1.74, a net profit of ₦566,435.00 and benefit cost ratio of 1.44 was relatively similar to sole sweet potato. Therefore, the above intercropping pattern established in the month of June will minimize weed infestation and improve productivity of maize and sweet potato in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria.

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Invertebrate Seed Predators Reduce Weed Emergence Following Seed Rain

Weed Science ◽

10.1614/ws-d-15-00111.1 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 64 (1) ◽

pp. 80-86 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Carmen K. Blubaugh ◽

Ian Kaplan

Keyword(s):

Seed Predation ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Cover Crop ◽

Propagule Pressure ◽

Seedling Emergence ◽

Seed Rain ◽

Weed Species ◽

Seed Predator ◽

Common Lambsquarters ◽

Seed Predators

Weeds are selected to produce overwhelming propagule pressure, and while vertebrate and invertebrate seed predators destroy a large percentage of seeds, their ecosystem services may not be sufficient to overcome germination site limitations. Cover crops are suggested to facilitate seed predation, but it is difficult to disentangle reductions in weed recruitment attributable to granivores from those due to plant competition. Using common lambsquarters as a focal weed species, we used experimental seed subsidies and differential seed predator exclusion to evaluate the utility of vertebrate and invertebrate seed predators in fallow, killed cover crop, and living mulch systems. Over two growing seasons, we found that seed predators were responsible for a 38% reduction in seedling emergence and 81% reduction in weed biomass in fallow plots following simulated seed rain, suggesting that granivory indeed overcomes safe-site limitation and suppresses weeds. However, the common lambsquarters densities in ambient seedbanks across fallow and cover crop treatments were high, and seed predators did not impact their abundance. Across the study, we found either neutral or negative effects of vertebrate seed predators on seed predation, suggesting that invertebrate seed predators contribute most to common lamnsquarters regulation in our system. These results imply that weed seed biocontrol by invertebrates can reduce propagule pressure initially following senescence, but other tools must be leveraged for long-term seedbank management.

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