Weeds have serious impacts on agricultural production. It is
estimated that in general weeds cause 5% loss in agricultural production in
most of the developed countries, 10% loss in less developed countries and 25%
loss in least developed countries.
In Zambia, yield losses due to weeds are more than those from pests
and diseases. Yield losses due to weeds vary with the crops. Every crop is
exposed to severe competition from weeds. Most of these weeds are self-sown and
they provide competition caused by their faster rate of growth in the initial
stages of crop growth. In some crops, the yields are reduced by more than 50%
due to weed infestation.
1. Reduced Yield:
Weeds
compete with crop plants for nutrients, soil moisture, space and sunlight.
2. Poor Crop Quality:
Weed
seeds contaminate crop yield resulting in poor quality and rejection in the
market.
3. Weeds Harbour Pests and Diseases:
Weeds
harbour organisms, and some are food sources for pests resulting in their
increased population.
4. Affects Crop Handling:
Some
weeds can make farm operations such as harvesting and grading more difficult
and more costly.
5. Reduced Value of Land:
Heavy
infestation by perennial weeds could make land unsuitable are less suitable for
cultivation resulting in loss in its monetary value.
6. Limited Crop Choice:
Certain
weeds limit the growth of a particular crop thus limiting your choice on what
to grow.
7. Reduced Human Efficiency:
Weeds
reduce human efficiency through physical discomfort caused by allergies and
poisoning. Some weeds may cause itching. Thorny weeds restrict movement of farm
assistants in carrying out farm operations.
8. Inefficiency:
e.g.
blockage of irrigation canals,
channels and streams restricts the flow of water. Weed obstruction cause
reduction in velocity of flow and increases stagnation of water and may lead to
high siltation and reduced carrying capacity. Aquatic weeds form breeding
grounds for obnoxious insects like mosquitoes. They reduce recreational value
by interfering with fishing, swimming, boating, hunting and navigation on
streams and canals.
This is where
we will be ending our discussion for today.
Do you have any questions or other forms of contributions, kindly use the comment section below for all your contributions.
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