Comparative analysis of mulching and weed management practices on nutrient and weed dynamics of Kharif Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Abstract

The present fieldwork was conducted to evaluate the effect of mulching and weed management practices on the nutrient and weed dynamics of Kharif Sorghum. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications at the farm of Agronomy, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, (Punjab) during the summer season of 2023. A total of 6 treatments were utilized with varying levels of treatments on sorghum growth, yield, and weed attributes. With an increase in the effect of mulching and weed management, the growth characteristics including plant height, no. of leaves, stem girth, leaf area index, and chlorophyll content were significantly improved. Among the various treatments T1 (Weed free) showed maximum plant height (134.69 cm), no. of leaves (8.73), stem girth (10.14 cm) at harvest, and leaf area index (7.78), and chlorophyll content (53.74) at 90 DAS. The yield attributes were maximum in T1 (Weed-free) treatment as grain yield was recorded as 2.15 t/ha, straw yield as 4.59 t/ha, and harvest index as 22.54 %. The maximum protein content was recorded as 10.84% in T1 (Weed free) followed by 10.73% in T2 (Sugarcane trash). Furthermore, the weed attributes such as weed population, weed control efficiency, and weed dry weight were maximum recorded in dicots at 120 DAS. Treatment T1 (Weed-free) recorded no weed population with the highest weed control efficiency and dry weight. Results from the study revealed that among the various treatments, the application of T1 (Weed-free) had a significant impact on various growth, yield, and weed attributes. Proper management of crucial inputs, such as tillage, fertilizers, and weed control, is crucial to enhancing overall production and stability.