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COMPETITIVE SUPERIORITY OF KOCHIA INDICA OVER LEPTOCHLOA FUSCA (KALLAR GRASS) UNDER VARYING LEVELS OF SOIL MOISTURE AND SALINITY

KHALID MAHMOOD

Abstract: Kallar grass [Leptochloa fusca (L) Kunth] and Kochia indica Wight were grown in mono-cultures and mixed-cultures under different soil salinity and water conditions. K. indica suppressed growth of kallar grass in all salinity and watering treatments; the reduction in biomass yield of the latter species was more pronounced in low watering treatment at both salinity levels. In contrast, K. indica gave increased yield when intercropped with kallar grass as compared to that in mono-cultures suggesting its competitive superiority. Nutrient (N ,P,K, Ca and Na) concentrations in shoots of a species grown in mono- and mixed-cultures under a particular treatment were similar. However, the total uptake of nutrients differed significantly and K. indica removed proportionately higher amounts of nutrients when grown in mixed-cultures compared to corresponding mono-cultures. The significance of competition by K. indica is discussed with regard to its invasion and spread in kallar grass stands.

Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) , P a.Box /28, Faisalabad, Pakistan.