Abstract:
The presence of abundant agricultural residues in Malaysia prompted the need
to utilise these wastes to overcome environmental pollution. This study was
conducted to determine the effects of organic mulches from the crop residues
of oil palm, rice, coconut and pineapple on the shoot emergence and seedling
growth of goosegrass (Eleusine indica). It was found that mulches from oil palm
(frond, leaflet and rachis) and rice (husk) residues exhibited phytotoxic effects on
goosegrass at different degrees of potency. The emergence and shoot fresh weight
of goosegrass were inhibited by 85 – 100% when treated with oil palm residues
at 3 t/ha. Comparatively, the rice husk exhibited 70 – 80% inhibitory effects at
the same rate. The present findings suggest the possibility of using oil palm frond
residues as organic mulches for the weed management programme.
