Weed interference on maize (Zea mays) under no tillage system

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Crop Science

Background:

• Weed competition significantly impacts crop yields, necessitating effective weed management strategies.
• Understanding the critical periods of weed competition is crucial for optimizing herbicide application and reducing costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effects of different durations of weed presence and absence on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity.
• To identify the critical weed-free and critical weedy periods for maize under no-tillage conditions with mulching.

Main Methods:

• Field trials were conducted in Brazil using a randomized complete block design with five replications.
• Maize hybrid Pioneer 30K75 was sown with 7 t ha(-1) mulching. Treatments involved varying periods of weed presence or absence from sowing to harvest.
• Data were analyzed using nonlinear regression to model the impact of weed interference on maize yield.

Main Results:

• Maize yield was not reduced when weeds were present for up to 54 days after sowing under no-tillage with mulching.
• Maintaining a weed-free period of 27 days after crop emergence prevented significant yield losses.
• The critical period for weed control was identified between 27 and 54 days after crop emergence.

Conclusions:

• A single weed control application between 27 and 54 days post-emergence can effectively prevent yield losses in mulched, no-tilled maize.
• Maize exhibits a notable tolerance to early-season weed competition under specific management conditions.
• Optimized weed management timing can enhance crop productivity and reduce the need for intensive control measures.