Impact of various weed control methods on nutrient uptake and quality of dibbled rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

The study conducted at the ASPEE Agricultural Research and Development Foundation Farm in Nare, Thane during the Kharif season of 2013 utilized a randomized block design to evaluate various weed management methods. Treatments included single herbicides, pre and post-emergence herbicide combinations, and herbicide mixtures. Rice was sown using the dibbling method with a spacing of 15 cm between plants and 20 cm between rows, using 30 kg of seeds per hectare. Results indicated that Oxyfluorfen pre-emergence followed by 2,4-D post-emergence, and two hand weeding’s at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS), significantly enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake in rice grains and straw compared to other treatments. Conversely, the weedy check exhibited the lowest nutrient uptake. In terms of quality, protein content in rice grains varied significantly among weed control treatments compared to the weedy check.