Effect of different mulches on yield, yield components of grain maize and weeds dry weight

The effect of different weed control methods on weeds dry weight and yield of maize (Zea mays L. cv. SC500) was evaluated during 2012 growing season at the Research Farm of Bu-Ali Sina University. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times; comprising of six treatments including hand weeding, straw mulch, colorless plastic, black plastic, herbicide application and control (weedy check). The effect of treatments on the parameters of weeds dry weight, grain yield and yield components of maize such as number of grain rows ear-1, number of grain plant-1 and grain weight was significant. In comparison with control treatment, straw mulch significantly increased yield components of maize. The highest grain yield (9363 kg ha-1) and the lowest value (with 43.44% reduction) were observed at straw mulch and control treatments, respectively. Also, the highest (940.92 g m-2) and the lowest weeds dry weight (with 88.51% reduction) were achieved at control and black plastic treatments, respectively. However, grain yield and weed dry weight values were the same at the treatments of straw mulch, colorless plastic, and black plastic. In general, due to environmental risks of polyethylene plastics application in agriculture, straw mulch was considered as the best treatment that it could increase maize yield and provide effective weed control.