Weed Dynamics and Productivity of Transplanted Hybrid Rice (Oryza sativa) as Affected by Nutrient and Weed Management Practices

During the kharif season of 2022–2023, a field experiment was carried out at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj. A variety of weeds including grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds were present in the experimental field. Treatments had a major impact on weed biomass and density, which increased with crop growth stages. Treatment with 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost + two hand weedings and 50% RDF + 50% FYM + two hand weedings had the lowest weed density and biomass, indicating successful weed control through manual weeding. There was intense competition because the application of 50% RDF + 50% FYM + weedy check had the highest weed infestation. These results were further confirmed by the Herbicide efficiency index, Crop resistance index and Weed index. Application of 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost + triafamone + ethoxysulfuron had lower WI. The treatment that included 50% RDF + 50% FYM + weedy check had the highest weed index, indicating that unchecked weed competition during the crop period caused yield loss. In contrast, the treatment that included 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost + two hand weedings had higher values for the Herbicide efficiency index and the crop resistance index. Better conversion of tillers into productive tillers was indicated by the largest number of panicles per unit area in 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost + two hand weedings. In FYM-based treatments like 50% RDF + 50% FYM + two hand weedings, the number of grains per panicle and test weight were significantly greater, indicating improved grain filling because of prolonged nutrient release.

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