Frequent Weeding Boosts Maize and Groundnut Yields: New Study Highlights Optimal Timing for Sustainable Crop Productivity in Nigeria

Illustrative Image: Frequent Weeding Boosts Maize and Groundnut Yields: New Study Highlights Optimal Timing for Sustainable Crop Productivity in Nigeria
Image Source & Credit: Marion Aluoch/CIMMYT
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A recent study by Egboduku, T., & Oroka, F. O. (2024) titled “Growth and yield performance of maize (Zea mays L.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to stage of supplementary weeding in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria” published in the International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, ©SAAT FUTO, revealed that frequent weeding significantly improved both growth and yield parameters in maize and groundnut.

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Frequent weeding, especially between 3–6 weeks after planting, significantly boosts maize and groundnut growth, yield, and overall productivity.– Egboduku, T., & Oroka, F. O. 2024

This study explores the effects of supplementary weeding on the growth and yield performance of maize (Zea mays) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. Conducted at the Agricultural Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, the experiment aimed to determine how different weeding frequencies influence plant development, weed control, and crop productivity. Using a 5×4 factorial arrangement within a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), the research evaluated various cropping patterns—sole maize, sole groundnut, and mixed planting at different ratios—combined with varying weeding intervals. Data on plant growth metrics such as height, number of leaves, leaf area, and branching (in groundnut) were collected at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks after planting. Results revealed that frequent weeding significantly improved both growth and yield parameters in maize and groundnut. Maize plots with regular weeding recorded the highest cob yield and overall productivity, while groundnut plants showed enhanced branching, pod weight, and total yield under similar weeding regimes. Notably, weeding during the critical window of 3 to 6 weeks after planting was most effective in promoting vigorous growth and optimizing yields, underscoring the importance of early and consistent weed management in crop cultivation.

How the Study was Conducted

This study was carried out at the Agricultural Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, to investigate the effects of supplementary weeding on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). A 5 × 4 factorial experiment was laid out using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The total land area covered was 45 m × 13 m, with individual plots measuring 1 m × 1.5 m, separated by 0.5 m, while blocks were spaced 1.5 m apart.

The cropping patterns evaluated included sole maize (planted at 90 × 30 cm spacing), sole groundnut (30 × 30 cm spacing), and maize-groundnut intercrops in 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratios. Four weeding regimes were tested: No Weeding (NW), Frequent Weeding (FW), Weeding at 3 Weeks After Planting (3 WAP), and Weeding at 6 Weeks After Planting (6 WAP).

Data collection focused on both growth and yield parameters. Growth parameters included plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and number of branches (for groundnut), while yield parameters assessed were the number of cobs per maize plant, cob yield per treatment, weight of fresh and dry leaves, and the number and weight of groundnut pods.

The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a factorial arrangement, and treatment means were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at a 0.05 probability level. Genstat software was employed for all statistical analyses.

What the Authors Found

The authors discovered that frequent weeding had a significant positive impact on the growth and yield of both maize (Zea mays) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). The study reveals that plots that received frequent weeding showed the tallest maize plants and the highest number of leaves compared to plots with limited or no weeding. In addition, for groundnut, frequent weeding led to more branches, which is a key indicator of plant vigor and productivity.

Why is this important

Enhancing Crop Productivity: The research demonstrates that frequent weeding significantly improves the growth and yield of maize and groundnut. By maintaining a 3- to 6-week weeding schedule, farmers can maximize plant development, reduce competition from weeds, and ultimately produce higher yields.

Cost-Effective Weed Management: Weeds are a major problem in farming, as they compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight, reducing crop performance. While frequent weeding is labor-intensive, the study suggests that targeting key growth stages (3–6 weeks after planting) can achieve similar benefits without excessive labor costs.

Strengthening Food Security: Since maize and groundnut are staple crops in Nigeria and many other regions, improving their yield potential helps boost food production and ensures greater economic benefits for farmers. This knowledge empowers farmers to make informed decisions that enhance food security.

Supporting Sustainable Agriculture: Frequent weeding offers a natural method of weed control, reducing dependence on herbicides, which can harm soil health and the environment. The study promotes eco-friendly agricultural practices that contribute to sustainable farming.

Applicability to Other Crops: Although focused on maize and groundnut, these findings can be applied to other crops with similar growth patterns, helping farmers optimize weed management strategies across different planting systems.

What the Authors Recommended

• The study identifies this period as the most critical for weed control, as it significantly enhances crop establishment and yield for both maize and groundnut.
• While frequent weeding improves growth, it is labor-intensive. Focusing efforts within the 3–6 WAP window offers an efficient approach to maximize returns without incurring unnecessary labor costs.
• Timely manual weeding during key growth stages can reduce reliance on herbicides, supporting soil health and biodiversity in line with sustainable agricultural goals.
• Although this study centers on maize and groundnut, the recommended weeding schedule can be adapted to other crops with comparable growth characteristics for broader agricultural benefits.

In conclusion, this study underscores the critical role of timely and frequent weeding—especially between 3 to 6 weeks after planting—in enhancing the growth and yield of maize and groundnut. By adopting these strategic weeding practices, farmers can achieve higher productivity, promote sustainable agriculture, and contribute meaningfully to food security and environmental preservation.