Weed community changes in saffron+chickpea intercropping under different irrigation management.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Weed Science

Background:

• Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), a high-value crop, faces significant competition from weeds.
• Non-chemical weed management strategies like intercropping and reduced irrigation are crucial for sustainable saffron production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of saffron-chickpea intercropping ratios and irrigation regimes on weed density, biomass, and diversity.
• To identify optimal intercropping and irrigation strategies for weed control in saffron.

Main Methods:

• Field experiment with two irrigation regimes: one-time and conventional (four times).
• Six planting ratios of saffron and chickpea, including sole crops and various intercropping combinations (1:1, 2:2, 2:1, 3:1).
• Evaluation of weed density, biomass, diversity, and Pielou index.

Main Results:

• Conventional irrigation increased weed diversity, while intercropping reduced it compared to monocultures.
• One-time irrigation significantly decreased weed density and biomass across most intercropping ratios.
• The lowest weed density (15.5 plants/m²) and biomass (37.51 g/m²) were achieved with one-time irrigation and 2:2 saffron-chickpea intercropping (C4), comparable to the 1:1 ratio (C3).

Conclusions:

• A one-time irrigation regime combined with saffron-chickpea intercropping, particularly at 1:1 (C3) or 2:2 (C4) ratios, is an effective weed management strategy.
• These practices are suitable for saffron cultivation in semiarid regions, promoting sustainable agriculture.