Effects of Various Compost Types, Rates and Application Time on Weed Density and Biomass in Cumin Fields

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effects of types, rates and application times of various organic composts on weed population and biomass in cumin, a field experiment was conducted as split-split plot based on randomized complete block with four replications at Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2008-2009 growing season. Three compost types (poultry, cow and mushroom bed residue), compost rates (0, 20 and 40 t.ha-1) and compost application time (at planting date, 30 days after planting and 105 days after planting) were allocated to main plot, sub-plot and sub-sub plot, respectively. The most important weed species were broadleaf species. Winter weeds were mainly Descurinia sophia, Sisymberium irio, Stellaria media, Avena fatua, Malcolmia africana, Fumaria parviflora، and spring weeds were Chenopodium album, Polygonum aviculare, Veronica sp. and Solanum nigrum. Expect Stellaria media and Sisymberium irio, weed density in other species and also total weed density were significantly affected by compost types and rates and its application date. The highest total weed density observed with using mushroom-bed compost, applied one month after planting. Results showed that organic compost type, rate and time of application had significant effects on fresh and weed dry biomass. The lowest weed biomass was observed in cow compost plots. Compost application in 105 days after planting had lowest weed biomass. With increasing compost rates weed biomass was also increased. In conclusion, based on the results of the present study and considering the easy availability and low cost of cow manure, application of cow manure compost could help in reduction in weed density and biomass in cumin fields.

Keywords


 
Ahmadian, A., Ghanbari, A. and Galavi, M. 2006. Effect of animal manure on quantitative and qualitative yield and chemical composition of essential oil in cumin (Cuminum cyminum). Iranian J. Field Crops Res. 2: 207-216. (In Persian with English Summary)
Azizi, M., Alimoradee, L. and Rashed Mohassel, M. H. 2006. Allelopathic effects of Bunium persicum and Cuminum cyminum essential oils on seed germination of some weeds species. Iranian J. Med. Aromatic Plants. 22:198-208. (In Persian with English Summary)
Blackshaw, R.E., Molnar, L.J. and Larney, F.J. 2005. Fertilizer, manure and compost effects on weed growth and competition with winter wheat in western Canada. Crop Prot. 24: 971–980.
Courtney, R.G., Jordan, S.N. and Harrington, T. 2009. Physico-chemical changes in bauxite residue following application of spent mushroom compost and gypsum. Land Degrad. Dev. 20: 572-581. 
Delghandi, M.R. 2004. Weeds flora of cumin field. Papers Conclusion of First National Congress of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Shahrekord. (In Persian with English Summary)
DiTomoso, J.M. 1995. Approaches for improving crop competitiveness through the manipulation of fertilization strategies. Weed Sci. 43:491-497.
Duggan, J.T., Mccabe, J., Hennery, M.J. and Maher, M.J. 1998. Can spent mushroom www.ucd.ie/agri/html/homepage/research_96_98/ compost be used as a crop nutrient source.
Ghanbari, A., Ahmadian, A. and galavi1, M. 2005. The effect of irrigation times and animal manure on yield and yield components of cumin (Cuminum cyminum ). Iranian J. Field Crops Res. 2: 256-261. (In Persian with English Summary)
Ghorbani, R., Koochaki, A., Asadi, G.A. and Jahan, M. 2008. Effect of organic amendments and compost extracts on tomato production and storability in ecological production systems. Iranian J. Field Crops Res. 1: 110-115. (In Persian with English Summary)
Gora, D.R Meena, N.L. Shivran, D.L. and Shivran, D.R. 1996. Dry matter accumulation and nitrogen uptake in cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) as affected by weed control and time application. Indian J. Agron. 41:666-667.
Husseini, A.A. Rashed Mohassel, M.H. Nassiri Mahallati, M. and Hajmohammadnia Ghalibaf, K. 2009. The influence of nitrogen and weed interference periods on corn (Zea mays L.) yield and yield components. Iranian J. Plant Protect. 23(1): 97-105. (In Persian with English Summary)
Iqbal, J. and Wright, D. 1997. Effects of nitrogen supply on competition between wheat and three annual weed species. Weed Res. 37:391-400.
Joshi, D., Hooda, K.S., Bhatt, J.C., Mina, B.L. and Gupta, H.S. 2009. Suppressive effects of composts on soil-borne and foliar diseases of French bean in the field in the western Indian Himalayas. Crop Prot. 28:608–615.
Kafi, M. and Rashed Mohassel, M.H. 2000. The effects of weeding times and weeds density on yield and yield components of cumin (Cuminum cyminum). J. Agr. Sci. Tech. 2:151-158. (In Persian with English Summary)
Kafi, M. and Rashed Mohassel, M.H., Koochaki, A. and Mollafilabi, A. 2002. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) production and processing. mashhad publication. (In Persian with English Summary)
Mehriya, M.L., Yadav, R.S., Jangir, R.P. and Poonia, B.L. 2008. Effect of different weed management practices on weeds and yield of cumin. Annal. Arid Zone. 47:139-144.  
Menalled, F.D.K.A., Buhler, D.D. and  Liebman, M. 2005. Effects of composted swine manure on weed seedbank. Agr. Ecosyst. Environ. 111:63–69.
Mirzaei, R., Kambozia, J., Sabahi, H. and Mahdavi1, A. 2009. Effect of different organic fertilizers on soil physicochemical properties, production and biomass yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.). Iranian J. Field Crops Res. 1:257-268. (In Persian with English Summary)
Naghedinia, N. 2006. Effect of irriation and manure level on cumin yield. MSc Thesis. Faculty of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. (In Persian with English Summary)
Saborbilandy, M. 2002. Evolution effect of manure different levels in cumin yield in Gonabad town. National Congress First of Cumin, Sabzevar. (In Persian with English Summary)
Tilston, E.L., Pit, D., Fuller, M.P. and Groenhof, A.C. 2005.Compost increases yield and decreases take-all severity in winter wheat. J. Field Crops Res. 94:176–188.
Vahabi Mashak, F., Mir Said Hosseini, H., Sharfa, M. and Hatami, S. 2008. Investigation of the effects of spent mushroom compost (SMC) application on some chemical properties of soil and leachate. J. of Water Soil. 22(2):394-406. (In Persian with English Summary)
 
Vantine, M. and Verlinden, S. 2003. Organic weed management. WVA extension service.
Yin, L. Cai, Z. and Zhong, W. 2005. Changes in weed composition of winter wheat crops due to long-term fertilization. Agr. Ecosyst. Environ. 107:181–186.