Weed density, growth performance and nutrient uptake of basmati rice as affected by weed control measures under direct seeding

Summary

Weed infestation is one of the major constraints limiting the productivity of direct seeded rice (DSR) and there is a need for sustainable and eco-friendly management options beyond sole reliance on herbicides. A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2022 at the Research Farm, Chatha, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, to evaluate the effect of different weed management practices on growth parameters, weed density and nutrient uptake by weeds under direct seeded basmati rice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications on sandy loam soil. The results revealed that the weed-free treatment was significantly superior in enhancing crop growth parameters, followed by mechanical weeding using a con