Advancing Future Weed Management Strategies through Weed Seed Bank Depletion: A Review

Abstract

In recent decades, the demand for food production had increased due to the rapidly growing global population, exerting notable pressure on agricultural systems. Weeds had reduced the yield of crops by 34% due to which effective weed management is crucial. The pool of weeds is the reservoir of seeds which are viable within ground. Understanding the key factors influencing seed bank longevity, such as seed dormancy, environmental conditions, and human intervention, was essential for its effective management. Weed seed bank depletion could be achieved through various approaches that are cultural, biological, mechanical, chemical, biochemical, and integration of various strategies for management of weeds. The enhanced growth of herbicide resistant weeds led to the adoption of management strategies which addresses shifting weed dynamics. Various practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, mulching and other weed management methods can reduce the source of weeds in soil. Over time, systematic depletion of weed seed reserve could substantially lower weed pressure, reduce reliance on herbicides, and improve the effectiveness of long-term weed control strategies. Therefore, lowering the weed reserve forms a major component of sustainable management of weeds providing durable solutions for agriculture and land management.