Effect of soil solarization with or without weed control on weeds and productivity in soybean-wheat system

In a field trial, soil solarization done for 6 weeks in June-July gave excellent control of annual weeds not only in summer soybean(Glycine max Merrill.), but also in succeeding winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The effect on Cyperus rotundus in both reasons and Melilotus indica in winter, was however not satisfactory. The control of Avena sterilis ssp ludoviciana and Phalaris minor- two major grass weeds in winter was complete with soil solarization. Solarized plots, in general, had better crop stand and greater crop vigour resulting in on an average of 25% and 42% increase in yields of soybean and wheat respectively over non-solarized treatments. The yields obtained in weedy check with soil solarization were higher than in any weed control treatment in non-solarized plots. The yields with soil solarization in weedy check treatment were about 140 and 58% higher in soybean and wheat, respectively over corresponding treatment without solarization treatment.