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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Maize-based low-input cropping systems can provide effective weed control while ensuring crop productivity

subject

description

Conventional Maize Monoculture (MMConv) is now questioned for environmental reasons. During a five-year field experiment, yield and weed pressure of MMConv was compared to three low-input Cropping Systems (CS) : MMLI, a Low-Input Maize Monoculture; MMCT, a Conservation Tillage Maize Monoculture; Maize-MSW, Maize rotated with Soyabean and Wheat, all designed to reduce water pollution. In 2014 and 2015, weed-free zones were established on all CS. Weed biomass was higher in MMCT, especially for spring grasses and perennials. MMConv (11.3±1.1 T ha-1) and MMLI (10.6±2.3 T ha-1) had higher grain yields than MMCT (8.2±1.9 T ha-1). Finally, concerning yields observed in weed-free zones, MMCT yields were reduced by 2.1 T ha-1 respect to those on the other three CS, indicating that yields in MMCT were not mainly impacted by weeds. The absence of difference between weed-free zones and the rest of the plot on all CS suggest that lowinput CS were sufficiently efficient in managing weed pressure.