Weed suppressive ability and productivity of Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) interseeded at different rates and times in corn (Zea mays L.) field
2012
Mohammad, G.R. | Mozafari, S. | Ghobadi, M.E. | Najaphy, A., Razi Univ., Kermanshah (Iran). Dept. of Crop Production and Breeding
The weed suppressive ability and productivity of berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) as a living mulch in corn field was evaluated in a study conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of Razi University in Kermanshah, Iran. A factorial experiment was conducted with three factors in a complete block design with four replications. The first factor was two weed treatments (weedy and weed-free for the entire growing season), the second factor was three berseem clover interseeding times (15 d before, simultaneous with and 15 d after corn planting), and the third factor was three berseem clover interseeding rates (0, 20 and 40 kg/ha). The uses of berseem clover as living mulch significantly reduced weed density and the biomass produced. However, the highest reduction in weed density and biomass occurred when the living mulch was interseeded 15 d before corn planting (DBCP). Moreover, this interseeding time resulted in the highest berseem clover biomass and nitrogen yield. Ability to withstand competition (AWC) was highest in berseem clover when it was interseeded 15 DBCP and at the rate of 40 kg/ha. In general, there was a significant relationship between the biomass produced by berseem clover and its ability to suppress weeds. In addition to weed suppressive ability, the higher biomass produced by berseem clover is important in forage production.
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