Ecological Insights into Weed Seed Bank Dynamics: Management Strategies through Tillage and Mulching Interventions in Maize (Zea mays L.) Fields
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1
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
2
Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
Corresponding author
Ijaz Ahmad
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
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ABSTRACT
Weed management is crucial for maize production, as weeds compete for resources and reduce yields. Understanding weed seed bank dynamics and integrating effective practices like tillage and mulching can help control weeds and improve crop productivity. A field study was piloted in 2017 and 2018 at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, to assess the impact of different tillage practices: zero tillage (T1), cultivator twice with planking (T2), moldboard plough with cultivator twice and planking (T3), and chisel plough with cultivator twice and planking (T4) and mulching practices: no mulch =M1, plastic mulch = M2, and straw mulch (sorghum straw at 5 t/ha = M3) on the weed seed bank dynamics, weeds growth and maize productivity. The results revealed that chisel plough and polythene mulch significantly reduced weed density (28.5% and 73.1%) and biomass (67.1% and 92.1% in fresh biomass, and 62.2% and 91.4% in dry biomass). MB plough and polythene mulch reduced weed seed density by 39.6% and 48.7% at 0-5 cm depth. Chisel plough and straw mulch augmented grain yield by 45% and 6% paralleled to zero tillage and no mulching. The combination of chisel plough and straw mulch generated the maximum net income (US$719/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.82), with a 146.5% increase compared to the control treatment. In crux, chisel ploughing combined with straw mulching is a promising approach for sustainable maize production, offering improved weed control, increased grain yield, and enhanced economic returns.