Relative Effect of Tillage Methods and Weeding Regimes on Seasonal Weeds Biomass and Maize Performance

Abstract

An experiment to investigate relational effect of tillage methods and weeding regimes on seasonal weeds biomass, maize growth and yield parameters was conducted in both major and minor cropping seasons. On randomized complete block design, 2-tillage methods and 4-weeding regimes were factorially assigned at three replicate levels. A no-tillage (NT) and plough + harrow (P+H) with a 47 hp tractor were the tillage methods, whereas 0-hoeing, 1-hoeing, 2-hoeing and 3-hoeing were the weeding regimes at 2, 5 and 7 weeks after sowing (WAS). Akposoe maize (Zea mays. L)  variety was sown and monitored over a period of 10 WAS. And there was higher growth and yield parameters on P+H than NT treatments at various weeding regimes, whereas weeds biomass was greater on NT than in P+H. An interaction of 2-hoeing regime on P+H recorded mean maximum growth parameters of 14.2 number of leaves, 82.89 mm stem girth, 45.53 cm root length in major seasons and 225.7 cm plant height in minor seasons than NT at different weeding regimes. Also, yield attributes from P+H at 2-hoeing regimes recorded maximum maize dry matter yield (9.189 tha^-1) in minor season but total grain yield of approximately 8.167 tha^-1 in major season. A 0-hoeing on NT produced denser weed biomass of 6.4497 tha^-1 in minor season and 9.0967 tha^-1 in major season. It is therefore recommended to plant maize on plough and harrow fields, and clear weeds by hoeing at 2 and 5 WAS for optimum growth and yield parameters at reduced weeds interaction.