Black gram is a type of pulse crop that is commonly grown as an intercrop in cotton fields. The cultivation of black gram as an intercrop in cotton offers several benefits to farmers, including reduced risk of crop failure, improved soil fertility, and increased yield. However, one of the biggest challenges faced by farmers when growing black gram as an intercrop in cotton is weed management.
Weeds can compete with the black gram crop for nutrients, water, and sunlight and, if not properly managed, can significantly reduce yields. The use of herbicides or weedicides is one of the most effective ways of managing weeds in black gram-cotton cropping systems.
There are several weedicides that can be used to manage weeds in intercropped cotton fields. These include pre- and post-emergence herbicides. These are chemicals that are applied before or after the weeds have emerged from the soil. Pre-emergence herbicides are applied before planting the black gram crop, while post-emergence herbicides are applied after the black gram crop has emerged.
Pre-emergence herbicides can be used to control broadleaf and grassy weeds, which are the most common types of weeds found in cotton fields. Common pre-emergence herbicides include atrazine, alachlor, and metolachlor. These herbicides are applied to the soil before planting and can be incorporated into the soil to provide residual control of weeds.
Post-emergence herbicides, on the other hand, are used to control weeds that have already emerged from the soil. Common post-emergence herbicides include glyphosate, paraquat, and diquat. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that can be used to control a wide range of weeds in the intercropped cotton fields.
It is important to note that the use of herbicides or weedicides should be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The incorrect use of herbicides can result in negative impacts on the environment and increase the development of herbicide-resistant weeds.
In conclusion, the use of black gram as an intercrop in cotton fields can provide several benefits to farmers, including improved soil fertility and increased yields. However, weed management is a critical factor in the success of the intercropping system. The use of pre- and post-emergence herbicides is an effective way of managing weeds in the intercropped cotton fields. Farmers should, however, use these weedicides in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid negative impacts on the environment and to prevent the development of herbicide-resistant weeds.