Trash Mulch and Weed Management Practice Impact on Some Soil Properties, Weed Dynamics and Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Genotypes Plant Crop Productivity

Abstract

The effects of sugarcane trash mulch rate and weed management practices on some soil properties, weed dynamics and productivity of sugarcane genotypes plant crops were investigated at Badeggi, Nigeria in 2016 and 2017. The results revealed that application of 6 t ha−1 mulch produced comparable soil organic carbon content but lower weed dry matter to 9 t ha−1 which significantly added more total nitrogen, available phosphorus and soluble potassium to the soil. Application of PE diuron plus POE 3—maize force, resulted in a comparable weed dry matter to PE diuron plus POE 3—maize force plus 2 MHW. Similarly, PE diuron plus POE 3—maize force, 5 MHW and PE diuron plus POE 3—maize force plus 2 MHW produced comparable stalks and Brix content. Also, 5 MHW generated taller sugarcane plants. Application of PE diuron plus POE 3—maize force proved equally effective as 5 MHW in contributing the highest cane yield. Highest soil total nitrogen and available phosphorus were found in NCS 001. Lower weed dry matter was found in Bida local, and taller stalks, maximum cane girth, higher Brix content and cane yield were observed in NCS 001. In conclusion, application of 9 t ha−1 trash mulch with 5 MHW or PE diuron plus POE 3—maize force plus 2 MHW or PE diuron plus POE 3—maize force effectively controlled weeds, increased stalk height, cane girth, Brix content and cane yield of sugarcane, especially NCS 001.