As far as weed management is concerned in blackgram farming, irrigating the field before spraying herbicides can play a crucial role in improving the efficiency of the weed control effort. Here’s why.
Weeds are a common nuisance in blackgram farming, and they can negatively impact the quality and quantity of the yield. Therefore, farmers often resort to using herbicides to keep the weed population in check. Spraying herbicides might seem like a straightforward process, but its effectiveness can be impacted by several factors, such as the weather conditions, application rates, and the stage of weed growth.
One factor that is often overlooked but can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of herbicides is the moisture content of the soil. Research suggests that irrigating the field before spraying herbicides can improve weed control by facilitating the absorption and translocation of the herbicide into the target plant.
When the soil is dry, the herbicide may not be absorbed effectively, resulting in reduced efficacy. This is because the lack of moisture in the soil can prevent herbicides from penetrating the waxy cuticle layer on the weed’s leaves. On the other hand, irrigating the field before spraying herbicides can lead to a higher population of weeds being exposed to the herbicide, resulting in better control.
Irrigation can also increase the herbicide’s uptake by the plant by facilitating a higher rate of herbicide translocation from the treated leaves to the roots. This is because moisture in the soil stimulates the activity of the plant’s transport systems, facilitating the movement of the herbicide to the roots, where it can inhibit the weed’s growth.
Moreover, irrigating the field before spraying herbicides can reduce the risk of unintentional herbicide damage. When herbicides are applied to dry soil, they may become excessively concentrated in certain areas, leading to damage or death of unintended plants. However, by irrigating the field before spraying herbicides, the herbicide becomes more diluted, reducing the risk of unintended damage.
In summary, irrigating the field before spraying herbicides can improve the efficacy of weed control by facilitating better absorption and translocation of the herbicide. It also reduces the risk of unintended herbicide damage. So, blackgram farmers should consider irrigating their fields before spraying herbicides to produce optimal yields and protect their crops.