Reduction in weed infestation through integrated depletion of the weed seed bank in a rice-wheat cropping system

Chemical-dependent weed control has led to the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds and pollution arable land water systems, posing a great threat food security environmental safety. For first time, we developed simple management regime ecologically deplete seed bank under wheat-rice cropping system, which in turn allowed reduction frequency conventional herbicide applications while sustainably reducing infestation levels. The key ecological methods adopted here involve cleaning irrigation by intercepting seeds at entrance exit removing floating with net during before rice planting, significantly reduced input into bank. Quantitative analysis population dynamics showed that implementation this consecutively for 6 years density total 51% dominant grassy 53% compared those beginning. effect sound was comparable dual- or triple-application chemical each crop growing season. results indicated that, method, integrated method could reduce number half costs labor 30%. Furthermore, quantitative modeling species, Alopecurus japonicus, continuous adoption strategy more than 90%, thereby freeing fields presence noxious weed.