S.H.S.Senarathne and K.C.P.Perera
The influence of five different weed control methods on nut yield of coconut were evaluated to determine an economical and effective method of controlling weeds in coconut plantations in the low country, intermediate zone in Sri Lanka. Treatments imposed were cover cropping with Pueraria phaseolodies, planting Gliricidia sepium, tractor slashing, application of glyphosate (N(phosphonomethyl)-glycine) at 1.44 kg ai ha-1and cattle grazing at two months interval. All the treatments were applied twice a year except for the cover cropping with Pueraria and cattle grazing treatments. Cattle grazing were applied at two monthly intervals. Based on the reduction of weed biomass, treatments cover cropping with Pueraria phaseolodies and application of glyphosate at 1.44 kg ai ha- were significantly effective over other treatments. Coconut yield was increased significantly (P<0.05) in glyphosate applied and cover cropping with Pueraria. Control of weeds with glyphosate (1.44kg ai ha-1 and cover cropping with Pueraria resulted in 23% and 20% increase in nut yield over the uncontrolled weed plots respectively. Both methods were found to be the most effective and economical methods of controlling weeds in coconut plantations. Cover cropping with P. phaseolodies was effective in controlling weeds in the long term, but was not economical compared to the glyphosate application. Establishment of cover crop was helpful to conserve soil moisture when compared with other treatments
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