Assessment of Weed Dominance Dynamics Across Varied Weeding Interval in Onion Cultivation on Ultisol Soils

Abstract

Weed management is a crucial aspect of agricultural productivity, particularly in onion cultivation, where competition with weeds can significantly impact crop yields. This study investigates the dynamics of weed dominance in onion cultivation on Ultisol soil, focusing on various weeding intervals. A field experiment assessed weed species composition and density across different weed-free periods: 0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 days after planting. Results indicated that weed diversity fluctuated, revealing 29 weed species consisting of broadleaf, grass, and sedge types. Overall, broadleaf weeds were the dominant species in the onion fields, constituting up to 77.78% of the weed population by the end of the study. This dominance was influenced by the weeding intervals, with a higher presence of aggressive species observed in each treatment. Frequent weeding intervals resulted in high density of broadleaf weeds. These findings have direct implications for onion farmers, highlighting the need for optimized weeding strategies to enhance onion production and providing insights into sustainable agricultural practices on Ultisol soils. By understanding the dynamics of weed dominance, farmers can better manage their crops, leading to increased yields and improved sustainability. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of weed-plant interactions and effective weed management in onion cultivation.