Weed growth, yield and nutrient uptake in maize (Zea mays) as influenced by tillage, seed rate and weed control method

A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2004 and 2005 at Pantnagar to study the effect of two tillage, three seed rate and four weed control methods on weed growth, yield and nutrient uptake in maize ( Zea mays L.). There was significant increase in grain yield with conventional tillage (23.5% on mean basis) due to reduced population and dry weight of weeds when compared with no-tillage (3.69 t/ha). Grain yield recorded with 24 kg seed/ha was significantly higher (10%) when compared with the yield recorded with 16 kg seed/ ha in 2005. However, net returns were higher in maize sown with a seed rate of 24 kg/ha in both the years. Similarly, two hand weedings at 25 and 45 days after sowing (DAS) recorded significantly higher grain yield (26% in 2004 and 68% in 2005) and nutrient uptake and reduced the population and dry weight of weeds as compared to weedy check. Two hand weedings at 25 and 45 DAS with higher seed rate (24 kg/ha) under tilled condition ap- peared to be the best in producing yield of maize, reducing weed growth and for enhanced profits.