Paper Details

Name: Naina Srivastava
Country: India

Year: 2023
Volume: Volume-10, Issue-1 (January-June)
Page Number: 101-117

ABSTRACT
Weeds are unwanted plants that grow naturally in agricultural fields and compete with cultivated crops for essential resources such as water, nutrients, sunlight, and space. Despite their negative effects on crop production, some weed species contribute to biodiversity, improve soil health, prevent soil erosion, and provide habitats for beneficial insects and pollinators. The present study was conducted to assess the diversity of weed species in selected agricultural fields located in different villages of a chosen district representing various cropping systems, soil types, irrigation conditions, and farming practices. A descriptive and ecological research design was adopted, and the quadrat sampling method was employed to record weed species. Data on common name, scientific name, family, frequency, density, abundance, and associated crops were collected and analysed using ecological indices such as species richness, Importance Value Index (IVI), Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index, and Simpson's Diversity Index. The study identified several dominant weed species, including Cyperus rotundus, Cynodon dactylon, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Echinochloa crus-galli, which exhibited high ecological dominance in the surveyed fields. The findings indicate that weed diversity varies according to crop type, soil conditions, climatic factors, and agricultural practices. The study concludes that regular monitoring of weed diversity and the adoption of Integrated Weed Management (IWM) are essential for sustainable crop production, biodiversity conservation, and environmentally sound agricultural management.

Keywords: Weed Diversity, Agricultural Fields, Weed Flora, Biodiversity, Crop Production, Weed Management, Agriculture