Weed dynamics and soil health in coconut plantations as affected by organic weed management practices

Summary

AbstractEco friendly weed management is crucial in sustaining soil health and crop productivity in coconut plantations. A study on the effect of organic practices on weed dynamics and soil health was undertaken in a 20-year-old coconut plantation with a spacing of 7.5 m × 7.5 m. The organic weed management practices tested included: live mulching with dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) or horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) or cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in the interspaces of coconut trees, intercropping with turmeric (Curcuma longa), mulching interspaces of coconut trees using phyto-pharmaceutical waste (byproduct of the ayurveda industry) 20 t/ha, ploughing the interspaces of coconut trees (twice per year). Unploughed interspaces of coconut trees without weeding operations served as check. Weed d