Influence of Residues Level, Parts and Duration of Decomposition of Some Major Broadleaved Weeds on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was conducted at International Livestock Research institute (ILRI), Wolaita Soddo during 2012-13 with the objective of investigating the effect of soil incorporated Benghal dayflower (Commelina benghalensis L; Commelanaceace) and Thorn apple (Datura stramonium L.; Solanaceae) root and whole plant residues and their duration of decomposition on germination and early growth of maize (Zea mays L.). The soil was unamended and amended with the root and whole plant dry residues at the rate of (5, 10, 20, 40 g/ kg soil) and exposed for three different decomposition periods (0, 2 and 4 weeks) in Completely Randomized Design with 3 replications. None of the treatments was affects the germination of maize significantly. Whereas, the root length of maize seedling was significantly affected by the weed part, amount of residue incorporation and duration of decomposition period and the shoot length and dry matter weight of maize seedling was also significantly affected by the weed part of C. benghalensis, amount of residue incorporation due to both weeds and duration of decomposition period due to D. stramonium 10 days after maize planting.

Keywords: Allelopathy, Commelina benghalensis, Datura stramonium, Zea mays, residue decomposition.