Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 105-115 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 107 2016; Singh et al., 2016; Shekhawat et al., 2020). Additionally, the shift towards DSR has led to the emergence of herbicide-resistant weed species, complicating weed management further (Mahajan and Chauhan, 2013; Banik et al., 2020; Raj et al., 2022). The lack of suitable weed-competitive rice cultivars and the need for integrated weed management strategies are significant hurdles that need to be addressed for the successful adoption of DSR (Mahajan and Chauhan, 2013; Hossain et al., 2016). 3.3 Benefits of traditional practices Traditional rice cultivation methods, such as PTR, offer several benefits that help mitigate weed problems. The continuous flooding of fields suppresses weed growth, reducing the need for herbicides and manual weeding. This method also helps in maintaining soil structure and fertility, leading to stable and high yields (Chauhan, 2013; Dass et al., 2016; Raj et al., 2022). Moreover, traditional practices are less prone to the development of herbicide-resistant weed species, as the water submersion acts as a natural weed suppressant (Singh et al., 2016; Banik et al., 2020). The use of clean seeds, thorough land preparation, and crop rotation in traditional systems further enhance weed control and overall crop health (Chauhan, 2013; Sen et al., 2021). While DSR offers significant resource savings and environmental benefits, it also presents substantial challenges, particularly in weed management. Traditional rice cultivation methods continue to provide effective weed control and stable yields, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to manage weeds in DSR systems effectively. 4 Cultural Weed Management Strategies 4.1 Definition and principles Cultural weed management strategies involve the use of agronomic practices to suppress weed growth and reduce weed seed banks in the soil. These methods focus on creating conditions that favor the growth of the desired crop while disadvantaging weeds. Key principles include crop rotation, use of clean seeds, proper water management, and timely planting. These strategies aim to reduce reliance on chemical herbicides, thereby minimizing environmental impact and the risk of developing herbicide-resistant weed populations (Chauhan, 2013; Sen et al., 2021). 4.2 Benefits over chemical methods Cultural weed management offers several advantages over chemical methods. Firstly, it reduces the environmental footprint associated with herbicide use, including soil and water pollution and harm to non-target organisms (Dass et al., 2016). Secondly, it helps in managing herbicide-resistant weed populations, which are becoming increasingly problematic due to the over-reliance on chemical herbicides (Figure 1) (Chauhan, 2013; Raj et al., 2022; Pervaiz et al., 2023). Additionally, cultural practices can improve soil health and biodiversity, leading to more sustainable agricultural systems (Banik et al., 2020). For instance, practices such as crop rotation and the use of allelopathic rice varieties can significantly reduce weed pressure without the need for chemical inputs. 4.3 Implementation challenges Despite their benefits, cultural weed management strategies face several implementation challenges. One major challenge is the need for precise timing and coordination of various practices, which can be labor-intensive and require detailed knowledge of local weed ecology. Additionally, the effectiveness of these strategies can be variable and may not provide complete weed control, necessitating the integration with other methods such as mechanical or low-dose chemical controls (Mahajan and Chauhan, 2013; Hossain et al., 2016). There is also a need for more research and extension services to educate farmers on the best practices and benefits of cultural weed management (Hossain et al., 2016). For example, the adoption of direct-seeded rice systems, which can save water and labor, also increases the risk of weed infestation, highlighting the need for integrated weed management approaches (Zhang et al., 2021). 5 Key Cultural Practices for Weedy Rice Management 5.1 Use of clean seeds and machinery The use of clean seeds and machinery is a fundamental practice in managing weedy rice. Ensuring that seeds are free from weed seeds and that machinery is thoroughly cleaned before use can significantly reduce the
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODY0NQ==