Challenges of weeding operation in intercropping and mixed cropping systems in Nigeria

Abstract

A literature study was undertaken on the challenges of weeding operation in intercropping and mixed cropping systems in Nigeria. Nigeria intercrops required 29% more labour input during the peak weeding period than did sole crops. Suppression of weeds in intercropping may have a benefi cial effect on crop yield and are useful in improved farming systems. The practice of growing several crops on the same piece of land is an ancient strategy for crop production among farmers in the tropics. Mixed cropping is to meet the desire of the farmer to minimize risk. This system offers the farmers insurance against total crop failure, It helps to control soil erosion and weeds, and it brings about a more even distribution of farm labour than in sole cropping. It has also been shown that diverse plant communities are more resistant to environmental stresses such as drought. Weeding is the most taxing job, both in energy and time, and traditionally, it involves bending down and working carefully not to damage the crop and at the same time, the operation must fi nished before weeds outgrow the crops. Weeding is conducted by pulling out the weeds and shaking them off. The paper highlights the challenges of application of a rotary mechanical weeding device in control of weed in intercropping farming systems and sparsely application of herbicide in traditional mixed cropping systems. The merit of mixed cropping system was identifi ed to indicate that the diverse crop species grown together to complement one another by using resources in different ways, scarce labour is effi ciently utilized, weeds and insects are suppressed, erosion is controlled and there is sequential harvesting and the risk of total crop loss is averted.