Effect of soil application of microencapsulated caraway oil on weed infestation and maize yield.

This study is aimed to determine the effect of spring soil application of caraway (Carum carvi L.) essential oil (EO) with silicon dioxide (SD) carrier on weed infestation, yield of maize (Zea mays L.), and microbiological soil activity. A two-year field experiment was set up in southern Poland on brown soil. The results showed that SD-EO microencapsulates were effective against dicotyledon weed species. Additionally, during the dry growth season, SD-EO microencapsulates affected the yield of maize (mass of cobs). Soil-applied microencapsulates caused an increase in soil microbiota, especially fungi and actinomycetes, by the end of a dryer season (September 2015). In conclusion, soil application of microencapsulated caraway EO with SD has potential as a natural weed control agent and should be studied further to optimize its dose and term for weed control in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]