8 Effects of Weeds in Agriculture

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.

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