Orchard Management

EXERCISE 11

EXERCISE 11: OBSERVATIONS ON WEED GROWTH UNDER DIFFERENT SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT

Aim: Weeds (Plate 11.1) compete for moisture and nutrients with the main (fruit) crop and thereby affect the growth and fruit yield and fruit quality. Assessment of effects of different systems of soil management in controlling weed population is of foremost importance.

Qualitative as well as quantitative evaluations are required to estimate the impact of different systems on weed management.

Plate 11.1. Weeds growth in the plant basin of pomegranate.

Procedure:

1. Mark an area of 50 x 50cm at random in the tree basin of trees under different systems of management.
2. Identify the weeds if any according to their morphological groups i.e. grasses. Sedges and broadleaved weeds
3. Record observations on the number of weeds according to their group in each plot.
4. Calculate weed density (No. / m2) to assess the impact of different systems on weed growth.
5. Draw inference regarding the impact of different systems in checking weed population.

Note: Weed counts should be taken at monthly interval after laying out the management systems. Take three replicated observation under each systems.