Weed control: manual, mulching, cover crops

1. Importance of Weed Control

  • Reduces competition for nutrients, water, and light.
  • Prevents harboring of pests and diseases.
  • Enhances seedling and tree growth, improving survival and resin production.
  • Helps maintain plantation aesthetics and accessibility.

2. Manual Weed Control

  • Description: Physical removal of weeds by hand or using tools (hoe, machete, hand trowel).
  • Advantages:
    • Immediate effect; no chemicals used
    • Allows inspection of seedlings and soil for pests/diseases
  • Disadvantages:
    • Labor-intensive
    • Time-consuming in large plantations
  • Best Practices:
    • Regular weeding, especially first 2–3 years when seedlings are vulnerable.
    • Remove weeds before flowering and seed set to prevent further spread.

3. Mulching

  • Description: Covering soil around seedlings with organic material.
  • Materials: Grass cuttings, straw, shredded leaves, coconut husk, wood chips.
  • Benefits:
    • Suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight
    • Conserves soil moisture and reduces evaporation
    • Adds organic matter as mulch decomposes
  • Application:
    • Apply 5–10 cm thick layer around seedlings
    • Keep 5–10 cm away from trunk/stem to prevent rot
    • Replenish mulch periodically as it decomposes

4. Cover Crops (Living Mulch)

  • Description: Planting fast-growing, low-competition crops between trees to suppress weeds.
  • Common Choices: Legumes like Mucuna pruriens, Arachis pintoi, or Sesbania spp.
  • Benefits:
    • Competes with weeds for sunlight and nutrients
    • Fixes nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility
    • Prevents soil erosion and improves soil structure
  • Management Tips:
    • Select non-competitive species to avoid inhibiting tree growth
    • Mow or trim periodically to maintain low height and cover soil
    • Incorporate biomass as green manure to enrich soil

5. Integrated Weed Management Strategy

  1. Nursery Stage: Manual weeding + light mulching around seedlings
  2. Early Field Stage: Manual removal + mulching + temporary shade for seedlings
  3. Established Trees: Mulch + cover crops for long-term weed suppression
  4. Monitoring: Inspect plantations regularly to prevent weed outbreaks
  5. Avoid Herbicides: Minimize chemical use to protect seedlings, soil microbes, and resin quality

Key Takeaways

  • Combine manual, mulching, and cover crop methods for sustainable weed management.
  • Mulching and cover crops reduce labor costs and enhance soil health.
  • Regular monitoring and early weed removal ensure healthy growth and high survival rates.
  • Integrated weed management supports long-term productivity and ecological sustainability of agarwood plantations.