Effect of Integrated Weed Management Practices in Rice (Oryza sativa) Under SRI

An experimental study was conducted at the Annamalai University Experimental Farm in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, between February and May 2023. The objective of this work is to chemically manage the developing weeds in rice during vegetative development using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technology. Additionally, the study aims to identify the weed flora in the experimental field. In this study, a Randomised Block Design with three replications was employed. The experimental treatments comprised optimal combinations of chemical and mechanical techniques for weed management. The experiment was structured in a randomised block design, consisting of seven treatments, and subsequently reproduced three times. Among the several treatments, the application of Penoxsulam + Butachlor @ 2L/ha (PE) on 3 days after transplantation (DAT) for rice, and the use of Conoweeder twice on 25 and 35 DAT (rice), effectively decreased weed density and thus reduced weed biomass. This led to an improvement in crop development and production. The greater plant height, drying matter potential (DMP), and grain yield seen with the application of Penoxsulam + Butachlor @ 2L/ha (PE) on 3 days after transplantation (DAT), and Conoweeder twice on 25 and 35 DAT, may be attributed to the effective management of a weed-free environment, especially during critical growth phases of the crop. Suppression of agricultural weed competition facilitated increased growth and development of rice crop, resulting in elevated grain and straw yield.