Complex weed flora managing efficacy of herbicides in soybean and their effect on soil properties, microorganisms and productivity of succeeding mustard

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive Kharif seasons during 2019 and 2020 at Central Research Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Gayeshpur, West Bengal to study the weed management efficacy of herbicides in soybean and their effect on soil properties, microorganisms, productivity of soybean and succeeding crop. The study comprised of seven treatments which was replicated thrice in a randomized block design. Weed free resulted significantly higher soybean seed yield. Pre-emergence application (PE) of metolachlor 1.25 kg/ha was most effective in controlling different grassy and broad-leaved weeds resulting in higher growth, yield attributes and yield of soybean (1.56 t/ha) and B:C, in comparison with other herbicides. The tested weed management treatments did not significantly affect the soil physicochemical properties and caused no significant impact on succeeding crop (mustard) yield. Soil microflora population increased at the time of harvest of the crop compared to the initial count.