Effects of lime on weed species diversity and yield of sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] in Swaziland
2007
Ossom, E.M. (University of Swaziland, Luyengo (Swaziland). Crop Production Dept.) | Rhykerd, R.L. (Illinois State Univ. (USA). Dept. of Agriculture)
An investigation was conducted in 2006/2007 cropping season to determine the effects of different lime levels on weed infestation and sweet- potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] yield. Results showed no significant differences in weed density among the lime levels, but weed species composition varied among treatments. With no lime, there were seven weed species spread over five families; at one tone ha-1 of lime, there were 12 species spread over nine families; 2 t ha-1 and 2.5 t ha-1 gave rise to nine weed species each, whereas 1.5 t ha-1 resulted in eight weed species spread over seven families. Weed density was negatively correlated (r = -0.307; n = 20; low correlation) with tuber yields, which reduced tuber yields by 9.4%. Marketable tuber yields did not significantly differ among the treatments. Applying lime to a near neutral soil did not increase yields. Soil testing is recommended as the best guide to lime application.
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