Composition, density and dominance of weeds in maize at different nutrient supply levels

As the world’s third most important crop, maize has to be researched in many ways. The composition of weed flora, number of species, density and dominance of weed species were studied in a longterm fertilization experiment, which was set up in 2003 in Nagyhörcsök, Hungary. The experimental area has loamy chernozem soil with lime deposits. The examinations were proceeded in two treatments: control and NPK. Weeds were collected in 1 square meter sampling areas in every plot by species. Conclusions were deduced by mathematical statistics in the context of nutrient supply. Experimental results proved a strong correlation between density of weeds and nutrient supply. As a result of the NPK treatment, the total weed density was 65% more compared to the untreated control plots. Eight weeks after sowing of maize, the average weed density was 133 plant·m-2. The dominance index of weed species was different in the control and NPK treatment. In the order of dominance Ambrosia artemisiifolia (61%) was on the first place in the control plots and Chenopodium album (52%) in the NPK treated plots. ) In the control treatment without fertilizers A. artemisiifolia was the most frequented weed species and had a highest density. It had strong competitiveness under these conditions