Evaluation of Weed Dynamics in Maize based Intercropping Systems for Rabi in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural College Farm, Naira, during the rabi season of 2024–2025 to evaluate weed dynamics in maize-based intercropping systems under different nitrogen levels. The soil was sandy loam with low fertility status. The study followed a split-plot design with five main plots—maize intercropped with blackgram, greengram, cowpea, in-situ green manuringand sole maizeand three subplots involving 100% RDN, 75% RDN,and 75% RDN + biological fertilizer consortia. Results revealed that maize + cowpea in paired rows significantly reduced weed density and weed dry weight at all crop growth stages. This was attributed to the rapid canopy coverage and shading effect of cowpea, which suppressed weed germination. Sole maize recorded the highest weed density and dry weight, indicating poor weed suppression. Among nitrogen levels, 75% RDN produced the lowest weed density and dry weight, while 100% RDN recorded higher weed growth due to greater nutrient availability. The findings suggest that adopting maize + cowpea intercropping with 75% RDN can effectively reduce weed competition and improve resource efficiency.