A Case ofCyperusspp. andImperata cylindricaOccurrences on Acrisol of the Dahomey Gap in South Benin as Affected by Soil Characteristics: A Strategy for Soil and Weed Management

Abstract

Because of the limiting efficacy of common weed control methods on Cyperus spp. and Imperata cylindrica their occurrences in tropical agroecologies and the effect of soil properties in suppressing these species were investigated in south Benin (Cotonou), a typical ecology of the Dahomey gap. Weeds and soil samples were collected twice early and later in the rainy season in 2009 at four topographic positions (summit, upper slope, middle slope, and foot slope). Sampling was done according to Braun-Blanquet abundance indices (3 and 5) and the absence (0) of Cyperus and Imperata in a quadrat, respectively. The relationship between their respective abundances and soil parameters (texture, C, N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, and Fe) was explored. Weed occurrence was less related to soil texture, and Imperata growth was more influenced by soil nutrients (K, Ca, and Fe) than Cyperus spp. Soil cation ratios of K : Mg and Ca : Mg were the main factors that could be changed by applying K and/or Mg fertilizers to reduce Cyperus and/or Imperata occurrence. Maintaining high Fe concentration in soil at hillside positions can also reduce Imperata abundance, especially in the Dahomey gap.

Relationships between soil properties and the occurrence of the most agronomically important weed species in the field margins of eastern Arkansas – implications for weed management in field margins

“…Additionally, Kone et al . (), in support to our results, reported a weaker relationship between soil texture and the occurrence of broad‐leaved weeds and Cyperaceae spp. compared with soil nutrients, particularly P, K and Ca.…”

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“…P is likely the most important nutrient for the cultivation of L. multiflora when developing specific agricultural systems (Yao-Kouamé & Fako, 2008). Our study confirms that soil chemical degradation is more related to invasive vegetation occurrence (Koné et al, 2013b) emphasizing the importance of soil cations in this process. It is phosphorus which plays a major role in the nutrition of L. multiflora, because this plant grows where the available phosphorus content is high.…”

“…In Côte d'Ivoire, it grows from the forest-savanna transition zone to the northern regions through the centre, with increasing interest because of its biomedical virtues: Tea-like infusions are traditionally used as remedy against malaria fever, stress, hypertension, gastro-intestinal trouble and caugh as well as laxative (Abena et al, 2003). Moreover, L. multiflora contains some adjutants for cosmetic (Kanko et al, 2003) and pesticides (Etienne et al, 2011) produces. These qualities are attributed to the properties of the leaf extractable essential oils (Irvine, 1961) accounting for 42 volatile compounds from L. multiflora with specific properties that could interfere the plant attributes as individual effect (Lahlou, 2004).…”

Occurrence and Leave Extractable Essential Oil of Lippia multiflora M. (Verbenaceae) as Affected by Soil Acidity, Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Contents in North Cote d’Ivoire

“…Beside of the characterization of L. multiflora occurrence, our study confirms that soil chemical degradation is more related to invasive vegetation occurrence (Koné et al, 2013b) emphasizing the importance of soil cations in this process while contrasting with that of anions. However, further investigations are required in other ecological zones for the generalizing such assumption.…”