Overview
This project aims to develop sound weed management methods for direct seeded rice under two lowland agroecosystems; and as a result of good weed control in the field, establish the benefit in terms of grain quality.
The proposed project will develop a package of weed control practices for the evolving lowland cropping systems of Cambodia and Lao PDR. Traditional crop establishment practices of transplanting rice in puddled fields and planting other crops in finely tilled soils are being replaced by rice broadcasting and row- direct seeding, this evolution is bringing new challenges and opportunities for weed management which this project will address.
Proposed weed management strategies will reflect labour constraints and the need to reduce reliance on chemical control. Unless weeds can be controlled effectively, benefits of mechanisation, sustainable intensification, and the adoption of conservation agriculture practices are at risk. Crop grain quality also improves with appropriate weed management and this provides opportunity for a high value market which the proposed project will explore.
Project outcomes
- Developing a gender sensitive integrated weed management package leading to sustainable weed management in direct seeded rice systems.
- Improving capacity in relation to weed identification and management across all sectors/actors.
- Availability of varieties of high market value, and competitive ability against weeds.
