SHIFTING WEED COMPOSITIONS AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION IN SWEET CORN FIELD TREATED WITH ORGANIC COMPOSTS AND CHEMICAL WEED CONTROLS
ABSTRACT: The objectives of
the research were to study the shift of weed compositions in sweet corn field
treated with organic compost and chemical weed controls and to compare the
effect of treatment combinations on weed growth, weed biomass and sweet corn
biomass. The research was conducted in Bengkulu, Indonesia, from April to July
2014. Results showed that the number of
weed species decreased after the trials from 14 to 13. There was a shift in weed compositions
because 5 species of weeds did not emerge after the trials, but 4 new species
were found. Chemical weed control using
a herbiside mixture of atrazine and mesotrione applied during postemergence was
the most effective method to control
weeds, which was observed on decreased weed emergence and weed biomas down to
22.33 and 25.00 percent of control, respectively. Subsequently, biomass production of sweet
corn increased up to 195.64 percent with the same trials. Biomass of weeds and sweet corn were also
affected by the organic composts. Weed
biomass was inhibited with treatment of composted empty fruith bunches of
oilpalm, whereas significantly increased of sweet corn biomass were observed in
the plots of organic manure.
Author: Marulak Simarmata, Chrisman
Dani Sitanggang, Djamilah
Journal Code: jppertaniangg150034
