Systematic Review of Integrated Weed Management Strategies in Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivation

Abstract

Weeds are a major constraint in maize cultivation, causing global yield losses that average about 37%, with studies reporting a range of 20% to 80% depending on weed pressure and management. Effective weed control is therefore critical, particularly during the vulnerable period between 4 to 7 weeks after sowing. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize current approaches to Integrated Weed Management (IWM) in maize cultivation to support farmers, researchers, and agricultural specialists in identifying more sustainable and effective weed control strategies. Although various weed control methods exist, comprehensive comparison of their effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term implications for soil health and productivity in maize-based systems remain limited in the literature. A systematic search was conducted across major scientific databases including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Keywords such as “Integrated Weed Management,” “biological methods,” “chemical weed control,” “mechanical methods,” “cultural practices,” and “herbicide risks” were used to identify relevant studies. Articles were screened and selected based on relevance and methodological quality. The findings indicate that while chemical herbicides are widely used due to their efficiency and lower labor requirements, overreliance on them can lead to soil degradation, herbicide resistance, and environmental harm. In contrast, IWM approaches that integrate crop rotation, mechanical control, cover crops, bioherbicides, and precision agriculture techniques offer more sustainable outcomes. The review highlights the potential of herbicide-resistant maize cultivars and natural herbicides in reducing dependency on synthetic chemicals. Future research should focus on optimizing IWM combinations tailored to specific agroecological zones and improving the adoption of sustainable practices at the farm level