Organic Weed Control Measures for Nigerian Cropping System

The need for sustainability has been the focus of every country especially developing countries of which Nigeria belongs. Population increases at an uncontrollable dimension and the provision of food for the populace becomes paramount. The productivity of crops is seriously hampered due to influence of weds which reduce the quantity and quality of plants by affecting plants growth, development and yield. Weeds reduce crops performance by as much as 80% in an uncontrolled situation. To increase crops yield and control weeds, synthetic substances like inorganic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides were introduced into Nigerian cropping system. These off-farm-inputs caused soil degradation, soil compartment, soil pollution and environmental hazard as well as life uncertainty (insecurity) as herbicides enter water bodies and affect animals and human when such polluted underground water is used. Research on more efficient and effective means of saving the soil from destruction and adequate weed control measures gave rise to organic farming. The emergence of organic weed control is geared towards the effective control of weeds with environmental consideration and soil enrichment. Many organic weed control measures have been identified in Nigerian cropping system to include: use of cover crops, use of green manure, use of crop rotation, use of soil fauna, tillage, use of allelopathic plants, use of farmyard manures and biofertilizers. It was recommended that for increased food production to be achieved, organic farming system should be adopted, government at all levels should give more attention to the training of more personnel who will adequately control weeds, organic weed control measures should be advocated (encouraged) and there should be enlightenment for the Nigerian farmers on the need to adopt organic weed control measures in their cropping system for increased crop productivity.