Utilization of Ageratum conyzoides L. as Organic Mulch for Weed Control in Sweet Corn
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22437/jalow.v9i2.54570Keywords:
Decomposition of mulch, Germination of weed seeds, Soil microorganisms, seed bank, Weed seed dormancyAbstract
Organic mulching emerges as a relevant strategy within sustainable agricultural systems. The objective is to determine the optimal mulch dosage to suppress weeds effectively while enhancing crop growth and yield. The study was conducted within the experimental area of the Faculty of Agriculture, University Gunung Leuser, Kutacane, Aceh Province, Indonesia from September to November 2025. The experiment was arranged using a non factorial Randomized Complete Block Design comprising three treatment levels with three replications. The treatments consisted of different application rates of Ageratum conyzoides L. organic mulch, namely D0=0, D1=2, D2=4 kg m-1, which correspond to approximately 0, 20, 40 t ha-1, respectively. The variables observed included weed control percentage, ground cover, number of weed species, weed population, and fresh weed biomass. In addition, several growth parameters of sweet corn were recorded, including plant height, stem circumference, and number of leaves. Yield components measured comprised diameter, length, cob weight, kernel weight, and grain yield. The application of Ageratum conyzoides L. organic mulch at rates of 20 and 40 t ha-1 increased the percentage of weed control at 10, 20, and 30 DAP, while simultaneously reducing weed cover at 10, 20, and 30 DAP. The treatment also decreased the number of weed species at 20 and 40 DAP as well as the fresh biomass of weeds at 40 DAP. In addition, the application of Ageratum conyzoides L. organic mulch enhanced stem circumference at 30 DAP, increased the number of leaves at 10 DAP, and ultimately improved kernel yield in sweet corn.
References
Abdi, D. E., Fields, J. S., & Beasley, J. (2023). Pine Straw Mulch Depth Modulates Soil Conditions. HortTechnology, 33(5), 464–466. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05272-23
Anggraini, S. (2020). Efektivitas Ekstrak Babadotan (Ageratum Conyzoides L) Dalam Pengendalian Gulma Pada Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit. Agroprimatech, 3(2), 67–73. https://doi.org/10.34012/agroprimatech.v3i2.918
Baral, D., Chaudhary, M., Lamichhane, G., & Pokhrel, B. (2022). Ageratum conyzoides: A Potential Source for Medicinal and Agricultural Products. Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 10(12), 2307–2313. https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v10i12.2307-2313.5146
Boydston, R. A., & Williams, M. M. (2016). Sweet corn hybrid tolerance to weed competition under three weed management levels. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 31(4), 281–287. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742170515000204
Cabrera-Pérez, C., Valencia-Gredilla, F., Royo-Esnal, A., & Recasens, J. (2022). Organic Mulches as an Alternative to Conventional Under-Vine Weed Management in Mediterranean Irrigated Vineyards. Plants, 11(20), 2785. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202785
Chahal, R., Nanda, A., Akkol, E. K., Sobarzo-Sánchez, E., Arya, A., Kaushik, D., Dutt, R., Bhardwaj, R., Rahman, Md. H., & Mittal, V. (2021). Ageratum conyzoides L. and Its Secondary Metabolites in the Management of Different Fungal Pathogens. Molecules, 26(10), 2933. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26102933
Dalias, P., & Christou, A. (2022). Secondary Immobilization as a Phase of N mineralization Dynamics of Soil Organic Inputs. Nitrogen, 3(4), 600–607. https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen3040039
Das, T. K., Behera, B., Nath, C. P., Ghosh, S., Sen, S., Raj, R., Ghosh, S., Sharma, A. R., Yaduraju, N. T., Nalia, A., Dutta, A., Kumar, N., Singh, R., Pathak, H., Singh, R. G., Hazra, K. K., Ghosh, P. K., Layek, J., Patra, A., & Paramanik, B. (2024). Herbicides use in crop production: An analysis of cost-benefit, non-target toxicities and environmental risks. Crop Protection, 181, 106691. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2024.106691
Demo, A. H., & Bogale, G. A. (2024). Enhancing crop yield and conserving soil moisture through mulching practices in dryland agriculture. Frontiers in Agronomy, 6, 1361697. https://doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2024.1361697
Dey, P., & Pratap, T. (2018). Variations in morpho-physiological traits of sweet corn in response to weed management. Indian Journal of Weed Science, 50(4), 365. https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-8164.2018.00077.1
Dragumilo, A., Marković, T., Vrbničanin, S., Gordanić, S., Lukić, M., Rajković, M., Prijić, Ž., & Božić, D. (2025). Mulching for Weed Management in Medicinal and Aromatic Cropping Systems. Horticulturae, 11(9), 998. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11090998
El-Beltagi, H. S., Basit, A., Mohamed, H. I., Ali, I., Ullah, S., Kamel, E. A. R., Shalaby, T. A., Ramadan, K. M. A., Alkhateeb, A. A., & Ghazzawy, H. S. (2022). Mulching as a Sustainable Water and Soil Saving Practice in Agriculture: A Review. Agronomy, 12(8), 1881. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12081881
Elfrida, E., Jayanthi, S., & Fitri, R. D. (2018). Pemamfaatan Ekstrak Daun Babadotan (Ageratum conyzoides L) Sebagai Herbisida Alami. Jurnal Jeumpa, 5(1), 50–55.
Gatkal, Narayan., R., M. Nalawade, S., S. Shelke, M., K. Sahni, R., Walunj, AvdhootA., B. Kadam, P., Ali, M., & Annasaheb. (2025). Review of cutting-edge weed management strategy in agricultural systems. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 18(1), 25–42. https://doi.org/10.25165/j.ijabe.20251801.9583
Hussain, Z. & Luqman. (2022). Effects of Mulching Practices on the Management of Weeds. In K. Akhtar, M. Arif, M. Riaz, & H. Wang (Eds.), Mulching in Agroecosystems (pp. 135–150). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6410-7_9
Iqbal, R., Raza, M. A. S., Valipour, M., Saleem, M. F., Zaheer, M. S., Ahmad, S., Toleikiene, M., Haider, I., Aslam, M. U., & Nazar, M. A. (2020). Potential agricultural and environmental benefits of mulches—A review. Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 44(1), 75. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-020-00290-3
Jabran, K. (2019). Role of Mulching in Pest Management and Agricultural Sustainability. SpringerBriefs in Plant Science. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-22301-4
Kato-Noguchi, H., & Kato, M. (2023). Evolution of the secondary metabolites in invasive plant species chromolaena odorata for the defense and allelopathic functions. Plants, 12(3), 521. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030521
Kaur, S., Schwartz-Lazaro, L. M., Werle, R., & Cordeau, S. (2023). Editorial: Integrated weed management for reduced weed infestations in sustainable cropping systems. Frontiers in Agronomy, 5, 1301564. https://doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2023.1301564
Kaur, T., Kaur, N., & Bhullar, M. S. (2018). Ecological Methods for Weed Management. In E. Lichtfouse (Ed.), Sustainable Agriculture Reviews 31 (Vol. 31, pp. 179–216). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94232-2_4
Khan, B. A., Nijabat, A., Khan, M. I., Khan, I., Hashim, S., Nadeem, M. A., & Ikram, M. (2022). Implications of Mulching on Weed Management in Crops and Vegetable. In K. Akhtar, M. Arif, M. Riaz, & H. Wang (Eds.), Mulching in Agroecosystems (pp. 199–213). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6410-7_13
Kumar, P., & Usadadiya, V. P. (2023). Mulching: An Efficient Technology for Sustainable Agriculture Production. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 35(20), 887–896. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2023/v35i203880
Kumar, S. P., Tewari, V. K., Mehta, C. R., Chethan, C. R., Chandel, A., Pareek, C. M., & Nare, B. (2022). Mechanical weed management technology to manage inter- and intra-row weeds in agroecosystems—A review. Indian Journal of Weed Science, 54(3), 220–232. https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-8164.2022.00042.9
Kumari, M., & McAvoy, T. (2025). Quantifying Yield Attributes of Spring-Grown Sweet Corn Cultivars (Bicolor, White, and Yellow) in the Southeastern United States: Part I. HortTechnology, 35(6), 888–895. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05738-25
Lalrindiki, J. C. A., Zohmachhuana, A., & Lalnunmawia, F. (2020). Phytochemical Screening and Allelopathic Effects of Ageratum conyzoides L. Science & Technology Journal, 8(2), 29–33. https://doi.org/10.22232/stj.2020.08.02.05
Liang, Q., Chang, H., Chen, H., Wu, Q., Qin, Y., Wang, Z., Wang, G., Li, X., Chen, W., Wu, J., Wang, Q., & Wang, J. (2025). The agronomic mechanism of root lodging resistance and yield stability for sweet corn in response to planting density and nitrogen rates at different planting dates. Frontiers in Plant Science, 16, 1481033. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1481033
Liu, S., Pubu, C., Li, Y., Zhang, Y., Yang, S., Zhu, Y., Chen, L., Zhang, G., & Han, J. (2024). Optimal N fertilizer management method for improving maize lodging resistance and yields by combining controlled-release urea and normal urea. European Journal of Agronomy, 156, 127159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2024.127159
Longnecker, N. (2021). Nutrient Deficiencies and Vegetative Growth. In Mechanisms of Plant Growth and Improved Productivity Modern Approaches (pp. 137–172). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003210252-5
Mechergui, T., Pardos, M., Jhariya, M. K., & Banerjee, A. (2021). Mulching and Weed Management Towards Sustainability. In M. K. Jhariya, R. S. Meena, & A. Banerjee (Eds.), Ecological Intensification of Natural Resources for Sustainable Agriculture (pp. 255–287). Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4203-3_8
Monteiro, A., & Santos, S. (2022). Sustainable Approach to Weed Management: The Role of Precision Weed Management. Agronomy, 12(1), 118. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010118
Mubaraka, R., Hussain, M. B., Tariq, H., Qayyum, M., & Tariq, I. (2022). Mulches Effects on Soil Physical Properties i.e. Porosity, Aggregate Stability, Infiltration Rates, Bulk Density, Compaction. In K. Akhtar, M. Arif, M. Riaz, & H. Wang (Eds.), Mulching in Agroecosystems (pp. 41–58). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6410-7_3
Nath, C. P., Singh, R. G., Choudhary, V. K., Datta, D., Nandan, R., & Singh, S. S. (2024). Challenges and Alternatives of Herbicide-Based Weed Management. Agronomy, 14(1), 126. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14010126
Nurjanah, U., Setyowati, N., Prasetyo, P., Fahrurrozi, F., & Muktamar, Z. (2021). Weed growth and sweet corn yield as affected by planting patterns and mulch types in organic farming practice. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 694(1), 012019. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/694/1/012019
Ofosu, R., Agyemang, E. D., Márton, A., Pásztor, G., Taller, J., & Kazinczi, G. (2023). Herbicide Resistance: Managing Weeds in a Changing World. Agronomy, 13(6), 1595. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13061595
Paul, S. K., Mazumder, S., & Naidu, R. (2024). Herbicidal weed management practices: History and future prospects of nanotechnology in an eco-friendly crop production system. Heliyon, 10(5), e26527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26527
Qian, R., Guo, R., Guo, G., Ren, X., Chen, X., & Jia, Z. (2024). Impact of straw and its derivatives on lodging resistance and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under rainfed areas. European Journal of Agronomy, 153, 127055. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2023.127055
Ramut, A. (2021). Aplikasi herbisida oxyfluorfen dan pendimethalin bervariasi dosis dalam mengendalikan gulma pada tanaman kedelai [Universitas Syiah Kuala]. https://etd.usk.ac.id/https//etd.usk.ac.id
Ramut, A. (2025). Agronomi Sistemik Pertanian Berkelanjutan Sebagai Fondasi Ketahanan Pangan. Yayasan Putra Adi Dharma. https://ypad.store/product/agronomi-sistemik-pertanian-berkelanjutan-sebagai-fondasi-ketahanan-pangan/
Ramut, A., Assauwab, M. H., Sumoharjo, D., Kartono, Yassir, M., Pani, M., Maulia, E., & Untari, Y. (2025a). Sustainable Weed Management Using Chromolaena odorata Organic Mulch Improves Soybean Productivity. SEAS (Sustainable Environment Agricultural Science), 9(2), 154–160. https://doi.org/10.22225/seas.9.2.13462.154-160
Ramut, A., Assauwab, M. H., Sumoharjo, D., Kartono, Yassir, M., Pani, M., Maulia, E., & Untari, Y. (2025b). Weed Control by Different Doses Flumioxazin Herbicide in Soybean. SEAS (Sustainable Environment Agricultural Science), 9(2), 138–145.
Ramut, A., Hasanuddin, & Hafsah, S. (2020). The Growth of Soybean Plant Due To the Application of Various Dosages of Oxyfluorfen and Pendimethalin Herbicide. IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS), 13(12), 34–37. https://doi.org/10.9790/2380-1312033437
Saha, D., Marble, S. C., & Pearson, B. J. (2018). Allelopathic Effects of Common Landscape and Nursery Mulch Materials on Weed Control. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 733. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.00733
Septiani, D., Hastuti, E. D., & Darmanti, S. (2019). Efek Alelokimia Ekstrak Daun Babandotan( Ageratum Conyzoides L.) terhadap Kandungan Pigmen Fotosintetik dan Pertumbuhan Gulma Rumput Belulang (Eleusine Indica (L.) Gaertn). Buletin Anatomi Dan Fisiologi, 4(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.5346
Singh, D., & Chamroy, T. (2025). Impact of Organic Mulching on Weed Suppression, Soil Moisture Conservation and Yield in Vegetable Crops: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology, 28(4), 681–697. https://doi.org/10.9734/jabb/2025/v28i42227
Souza, L. A., & Tavares, R. (2021). Nitrogen and Stem Development: A Puzzle Still to Be Solved. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12, 630587. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.630587
Verma, S., & Pradhan, S. S. (2024). Effect of Mulches on Crop, Soil and Water Productivity: A Review. Agricultural Reviews, (Of). https://doi.org/10.18805/ag.R-2243
Yasin, M., Rosenqvist, E., & Andreasen, C. (2017). The Effect of Reduced Light Intensity on Grass Weeds. Weed Science, 65(5), 603–613. https://doi.org/10.1017/wsc.2017.17
Zhou, Y., Coventry, D. R., & Denton, M. D. (2017). Soil surface pressure reduces post-emergent shoot growth in wheat. Plant and Soil, 413(1–2), 127–144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-016-3087-7
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Anuar Ramut; Deden Sumoharjo, Muhammad Husaini Assauwab, Irfan Apandi, Rahmat Barona, Mario Pani, Era Maulia, Maulana Zubir, Yulis Untari, Vinny Pratiwi, Rahmi Aurya Bella
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
