Effect of Fertilizer Application on Diversity and Production of Weeds in Crop-Less Fields

Abstract

The present study aims at assessing the effect of fertilizer application (with monofactorial deficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and lime) on the diversity and production of weeds in cultivated but crop-less fields. The biomass production of the weeds is highly affected by the nutrient application, particularly that of nitrogen. The weed vegetation after cultivation in autumn is characterized by a low species diversity and strong dominance of Apera spica-venti. However, there is an affinity for increasing species diversity and decreasing dominance in the treatment with full added nutrients. The dynamics of interaction between the dominant species (Apera spica-venti) with other frequent species (Matricaria recutita and Poa annua) is discussed in the view of their competitive abilities.