During the Kharif season, continuous rainfall leads to the persistent growth of weeds in the fields. A constant competition for water and nutrients takes place between the crop and the weeds, and this competition is most severe for 30 to 35 days after planting or germination. In rainfed areas this competition is primarily for soil moisture whereas, in irrigated areas, it is for nutrients.
If weeds are not controlled properly and at the right time, it adversely affects crop growth. Weeds grow rapidly compared to crops and can survive even in adverse conditions. For this reason, the field should be kept weed-free during the initial one to one-and-a-half months until the crop completes its vegetative growth and covers most of the ground.
Control the weeds by hand weeding (khurpani), Hoeing (kolpani) or chemical methods. Thin out the crops where they are too dense and seeds should be sown in places where they have not sprouted. Hoeing makes the soil surface loose, creates a soil mulch on the surface, reduces evaporation, and provides soil support (earthing up) to the crop.
Weeds like Bermuda grass (Harali) cannot be removed by simple hand weeding (khurpi). Instead, weeds like Bermuda grass (Harali) or Nut grass (Lavhala) must be uprooted along with their roots or tubers (nodes); otherwise, these weeds will keep regrowing repeatedly.
For chemical weed control of broad-leaved weeds in paddy, sorghum, and maize crops, spray 2,4-D herbicide at 1.25 to 1.80 liters per hectare, mixed in 500 liters of water.
Author: Dr. Kalyan devlaanakar
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