Weed Flora Composition and Diversity in Organic vs. Conventional Chickpea Fields Under Different Tillage Regimes

Abstract

Weed flora composition and diversity in organic versus conventional chickpea fields were investigated under different tillage regimes to assess the influence of management practices on weed community structure. Field surveys were conducted across chickpea-growing areas managed under organic and conventional systems, with varying tillage intensities. Weed species were identified, and their density, frequency, and biomass were recorded to quantify floristic composition and diversity indices. Results indicated marked differences in weed community structure between management systems. Organic fields supported higher weed species richness and diversity due to the absence of synthetic herbicides and reliance on mechanical and cultural control methods, whereas conventional fields exhibited reduced diversity but higher dominance of a few tolerant weed species. Tillage regimes significantly influenced weed emergence patterns, with reduced tillage systems favoring surface-germinating species and conventional intensive tillage promoting transient weed cohorts. Perennial weeds were more prevalent under reduced disturbance conditions, while annual species dominated frequently tilled fields. Diversity indices showed that organic systems maintained a more balanced weed community, although this also increased potential competition with chickpea crops. The study highlights the strong interaction between tillage practices and cropping systems in shaping weed flora composition. These findings emphasize the need for integrated weed management strategies tailored to production systems, combining ecological understanding with targeted interventions to balance weed suppression and biodiversity conservation in chickpea agroecosystems.