Effect of nutrient and weed management practices on weed dynamics, growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons 2022-23 and 2023-24 to evaluate the effect of nutrient and weed management practices on weed density, weed dry matter accumulation, growth and grain yield of wheat under irrigated conditions. The study comprised four nutrient management levels (control, 50, 75 and 100% RDN) and seven weed management practices (control, hand weeding, hoeing, intercropping with mustard, straw mulch followed by hand weeding, straw mulch followed by hoeing, and green manuring). Results showed that nutrient levels had a non-significant influence on weed density at 60 DAS though weed dry matter increased progressively with higher nitrogen doses. Conversely, weed management practices exerted a significant effect on weed density and dry matter in both years. Hand weeding and hoeing at 25 & 50 DAS recorded the lowest weed density and dry matter accumulation, whereas the highest values were observed under weedy check. Growth parameters such as plant height and dry matter accumulation at 60 DAS, as well as grain yield, significantly improved with 100% RDN and effective weed management practices. Among nutrient levels, 100% RDN recorded the highest grain yield (4170 and 4418 kg ha⁻¹ during 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively). Among weed control treatments, hoeing and hand weeding at 25 & 50 DAS resulted in superior growth and yield performance.