Effect of Planting Date and Crop Density on Weed Suppression and Yield of Rain-Fed Lentil

Abstract

Effect of planting date and crop density on weed suppression and yield of rain-fed lentil was investigated to determine optimal agronomic practices for integrated weed management and improved productivity under moisture-limited conditions. Field experiments were conducted using different sowing dates and crop density levels, and weed parameters, crop growth traits, yield components, and productivity indices were recorded. Results indicated that both planting date and crop density significantly influenced weed emergence, biomass accumulation, and competitive interactions between lentil and associated weed flora. Early planting dates allowed better crop establishment and improved early canopy development, resulting in enhanced suppression of weed emergence compared to delayed sowing. Increased crop density improved ground cover and reduced light availability at the soil surface, thereby significantly decreasing weed growth and biomass. The interaction between planting date and crop density showed that early sowing combined with higher crop density produced the strongest weed suppression and the highest grain yield. In contrast, delayed planting with low crop density resulted in increased weed pressure, reduced nutrient availability, and substantial yield losses. Yield attributes such as pod number, seed weight, and overall biomass were positively influenced by improved crop competitiveness under optimal treatments. Weed competition was found to be most severe during early vegetative stages of lentil growth, highlighting the importance of early-season crop advantage. The study emphasizes that appropriate adjustment of planting time and crop density can effectively suppress weeds and enhance lentil productivity in rain-fed systems. These findings support the integration of agronomic manipulation strategies as a cost-effective and sustainable component of weed management in lentil cultivation.