Weed-free rice fields lead to higher yields and profits for farmers
The impact of different weed control techniques on rice growth, yield, and economics was studied in a field experiment. Weed-free conditions until maturity resulted in the highest growth and yield, followed by hand weeding. A combination of Pretilachlor and Bispyribac sodium herbicides also showed good results. Weed-free conditions incurred the highest cultivation cost due to labor, while hand weeding was the next highest. The highest gross return was from weed-free conditions, while the highest net return and benefit-cost ratio were from the herbicide combination treatment.