Mulch-herbicide combination approach for urban green space weed control: A case study in Iran

Abstract: Weeds are considered one of the most significant challenges in managing urban green spaces, and controlling them is one of the most costly maintenance operations. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of controlling weeds in rose shrub green spaces using a mulch-herbicide combination. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with ۱۱ treatments and three replications. Treatments included: the application of trifluralin and pendimethalin herbicides alone at a dose of ۲ L ha -۱, incorporated into the soil surface, and the application of each herbicide at the recommended dose in combination with wood chip mulch (applied to the soil surface under a ۵ cm mulch layer, application of the mulch-herbicide combination on the soil surface and application of the mulch-herbicide combination incorporated into the topsoil) along with control treatments of mulch alone, hand weeding, and no weed control throughout the season. Weed sampling was performed at intervals of ۱۵, ۳۰, ۴۵, and ۶۰ days after treatment application. Based on the results, the lowest weed density and dry weight were observed in the combined mulch-herbicide treatments. Trifluralin herbicide showed greater weed control efficacy than pendimethalin, both when applied alone and in combination with mulch. The application of trifluralin and pendimethalin alone had adverse effects on rose flowering, but combining them with wood chip mulch mitigated their impact on rose growth. According to the results, combining trifluralin and pendimethalin herbicides with wood chip mulch can be an effective option for controlling weeds in green spaces, particularly in rose gardens.

کلیدواژه ها:

Integrated Weed Management ، pendimethalin ، Trifluralin ، Wood chip mulch