Phytosociological Examination of Weed Flora in Cotton Cultivations in Shrirampur and Rahuri Tehsils

Abstract

The current study was conducted to look at the composition and distribution of weed species linked with cotton farming in selected agricultural fields in the Shrirampur and Rahuri tehsils of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. The study concentrated on phytosociological weed flora metrics such as frequency, relative frequency, density, relative density, abundance, relative abundance, dominance, and Important Value Index (IVI) in cotton crop ecosystems. During the cropping season, field surveys were done to record weed species and their occurrence patterns using the random quadrat sampling method. Weed collection took place between 2019 and 2025, whereas phytosociological study used a random quadrat sample approach from 2020 to 2022. The obtained data demonstrated the presence of different monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed species that impair cotton productivity. Several major weeds had greater frequency and density values, indicating excellent adaptability to local agro-climatic conditions. The study found significant variance in weed composition between the two tehsils due to changes in soil properties, irrigation procedures, and agricultural management approaches. Dominant weed species were shown to compete heavily with cotton plants for nutrients, moisture, sunlight, and space, resulting in reduced crop growth and output. The study emphasizes the value of phytosociological assessment in understanding weed dynamics and designing efficient weed management strategies in cotton agriculture. The results of this study may lead to sustainable agriculture practices and enhanced cotton productivity in the region.