2024, Vol. 7, Issue 1

author(s)
John Anderson

abstract
The economic viability of different weed management practices in field pea production under irrigated conditions is crucial for optimizing both yield and cost-efficiency. Field peas (Pisum sativum L.) are an important leguminous crop, particularly in regions with irrigated farming systems. However, weed competition significantly impacts the growth and productivity of field peas, necessitating effective weed management strategies. This research aims to evaluate and compare the economic impacts of manual, chemical, and integrated weed management practices on field pea production. Data were collected from field trials conducted across multiple irrigated sites, where each weed management practice was applied and its effects on yield, labor costs, herbicide expenses, and overall economic return were assessed. The findings indicate that integrated weed management (IWM) practices, which combine manual and chemical methods, offer the highest economic returns, despite higher initial labor costs. While chemical methods were more cost-effective in terms of input costs, they led to lower yields in some cases due to resistance to herbicides and adverse environmental impacts. Manual weed control, though labor-intensive, provided moderate returns and had minimal environmental impact. The analysis suggests that adopting IWM could be a sustainable solution for improving economic returns in field pea cultivation under irrigated conditions. This research provides insights into the trade-offs involved in different weed management strategies and offers recommendations for farmers seeking to balance cost and productivity.