Research questions

1. What are the effects of crop and weed management strategies on the soil weed seed bank size and composition in farmer managed fields along a climate gradient in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe?
2. Which are the dominant and future dominant weed species that are affecting farmers in different agro-ecological zones?

General context

Weed seed bank, the reservoirs of viable weed seeds in the soil, serve as a critical source for weed infestations, challenging the productivity and sustainability of maize cropping systems. As these seeds possess the ability to persist in the soil for extended periods, the impact of weed management strategies cannot be underestimated. Weeds compete with maize crops for resources that include moisture, nutrients, space and light. Weeds harbour pests and diseases that infest maize crops hence reduced yield and lower profits. The crucial period for weed control in maize production is from planting to six weeks of growth, it is during this period that maize crop will be very vulnerable to weed competition.

Importance of the research question

Understanding the effects of crop and weed management strategies on soil weed seed bank will help researchers and farmers to anticipate potential impacts of crop weed competition on maize yield and quality. In Zimbabwe maize production bears important implications for poverty alleviation since maize is a staple crop in the country. This implies that effective crop and weed management strategies contributes towards reducing soil weed seed bank size which in turn boost food security by reducing weed crop competition.

It is not possible to develop practical control strategies without knowledge of common problematic weeds in an area. This will then make it easier for researchers to do weed intensity mapping and diversity studies so to craft practical management strategies which compliment anticipated problems.