Vol. 12, Issue 4 (2023)

Author(s):
SK Ahirwar and Aruna Devi Ahirwar

Abstract:
The field experiment was carried out at Chhindwara, during the Kharif season of 2016 and 2017 with a view to study the effect of integrated weed management on yield and economics of soybean in Satpura plateau region of Madhya Pradesh. The results indicated that the lowest density of weeds 12/m² was found in weed free treatment followed by pendimethalin (pre emergence) + hand weeding (16/m²). The hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS proved more effective as it reduced weed population to the turn of 15/m² over other treatments. The mean maximum number of pods/plant (69), number of pods/m² (1193), number of seeds/pod (2.65) and test weight (12g/100 grains) were recorded in weed free treatment. The same treatment also resulted in mean highest biological yield (7.00 t/ha), harvest index (36%), seed yield (2.58 t/ha) and straw yield (4.46 t/ha) with net profit INR 56425/ha (USD 869.02/ ha) and B:C ratio 2.54. This was followed by the treatment of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + one hand weeding at 40 DAS resulting in better effect on different parameters, yield and economics. Weedy check (control) plot showed the lowest effect on different parameters, yield and economics of soybean crop. The findings suggested that twice stale seed bed preparation may be followed for higher yield and net economic return of soybean crop.