Influence of Integrated Weed Management and Nitrogen Levels on Nutrient Dynamics, Yield, and Quality of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under Semi-arid Conditions
Pinki Dadarwal *
Department of Agronomy, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, India and Department of Agronomy, MJRP College of Agriculture and Research, MJRP University, Jaipur, India.
G.L. Yadav
Department of Agronomy, MJRP College of Agriculture and Research, MJRP University, Jaipur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season, to evaluate the effect of integrated weed-management practices and nitrogen levels on nutrient content, uptake, nitrogen-use efficiency, and seed quality of sesame. The trial followed a factorial randomized block design comprising seven weed-management strategies and three nitrogen rates (0, 20, and 40 kg N ha⁻¹). Results revealed that the application of imazethapyr at 0.15 kg ha-1 fb one hand-weeding at 30 DAS significantly improved crop growth parameters, nutrient content (N, P, K), and seed yield (855 kg ha-1), while also minimizing nutrient depletion by weeds. This treatment was statistically on par with two hand-weedings at 20 and 40 DAS. Nitrogen application up to 40 kg ha-1 significantly increased total nutrient uptake (N: 50.44 kg ha-1, P: 9.76 kg ha-1, K: 83.74 kg ha-1), seed protein (17.31%), and oil content (43.39%). However, it also led to higher nutrient removal by weeds under sub-optimal weed control. The findings show that combining effective weed suppression strategies with moderate nitrogen application improves yield, quality, and nutrient-use efficiency of sesame in semi-arid, loamy-sandy soils.
Keywords: Integrated weed-management, nitrogen levels, sesame