A Framework for Understanding Crop–Weed Competition in Agroecosystems

Abstract

Competition is a fundamental ecological interaction among plants, arising when speciesutilise the same limited resources such as light, water, nutrients, and space. Resource limitations reduce the growth and survival of less competitive species, altering ecosystemstructure. In agroecosystems, weed–crop competition is a major challenge, reducing yieldand quality. Weeds often exhibit greater adaptability and resource efficiency, enablingthem to outcompete crops. Competition intensity is influenced by population density,morphology, phenology and survival strategies. Understanding plant competitive interactions is crucial for ecologists and agronomists to develop sustainable weed managementand resource optimization strategies. Climate change further alters competitive dynamics,favoring resilient and plastic species. Mechanisms like allelopathy, aboveground and belowground competition and adaptive growth responses shape community structure.Strategies to reduce weed pressure include breeding competitive crops and integratingcultural practices such as optimal sowing density, narrow row spacing, and cover cropping. Future research should address plant responses to multiple simultaneous stressors,the ecological role of allelochemicals under varying conditions, and the genetic mechanisms of competitive adaptability. A comprehensive understanding of these interactionsis essential for designing resilient, high-performing agroecosystems in changing environmental conditions