Agronomic and economic performance of maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by seed bed configuration and weed control treatments

Abstract

Poor method of weed control and indiscriminate use of herbicides led to low yields, economic returns, and increasing environmental pollution in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. These prompted the conduct of field trials in the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to determine the effects of seed bed configuration and weed control treatments on the agronomic and economic performance of maize. The treatments consisted of flat and ridge seed beds and six weed control treatments. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with split plot arrangement and replicated thrice. Results showed that seed bed configuration had significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on weed density, but not on maize grain yield. All the weed control treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced weed infestation and increased maize grain yields compared to the weedy check. Furthermore, Primextra at 1.5 kg active ingredient per hectare (kg a.i. ha−1) + One supplementary hoe weeding (SHW) at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), Primextra + Paraforce at 1.5 + 0.7 kg a.i. ha−1, and Primextra + Guard force at 1.5 + 0.03 kg a.i. ha−1 applied on flat seed beds and two hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAS + ridge produced higher yields, profit, and economic returns. Therefore, the above reduced herbicide rates applied on flat seed beds are recommended to farmers as alternatives to two hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAS for profitable production of maize.

The Effectiveness of Mixing Herbicides and Manual Weed Control on Corn (Zea mays L)

“…The adaptability of this weed species made it more competitive with corn crops. It is in line with the findings of Imoloame and Omolaiye (2016) that the types of weeds with the highest relative importance in maize are Paspalum canjugatum and Digitaria horizontalis. The grass weeds were reported to be more competitive and able to suppress the growth of corn plants.…”

“…Yield losses due to the presence of weeds ranged from 60-80% caused by uncontrolled weeds in maize (Lagoke et al, 1998). Other studies also agree with Imoloame and Omolaiye (2016), who reported 89% loss of maize yields due to the weeds.…”

Growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by cropping pattern and weed control treatments in the forest – savanna agro-ecological zone of southwest Nigeria

“…Low soil fertility and the limited use of fertilizers especially nitrogen constitute problems of maize production in sub-Saharan Africa. Also, periodic drought caused by irregular rainfall distribution reduces maize yields by an average of 15% each year (IITA, 2009;Imoloame and Omolaiye, 2016). Oyewole and Ibikunle (2010) observed that weed interference would be a great challenge to maize production, with devastating effects.…”

Influence of Application Timings, Rates, and Adjuvants on Tiencarbazone-Methyl Plus Isoxaflutole and Mesotrione with Nicosulfuron and Rimsulfuron on Weed Control and Yield of Maize

“…[6]. The presence of weeds in a crop is associated with an increase in production costs [7,8]. Weed control in maize is therefore essential and is mainly based on the use of herbicides.…”