Weed management strategies for grain legumes in different regions of Morocco.

AbstractThis study examines weed management in legume crops in Morocco. Faced with the challenges of climate change, financial profitability, and herbicide resistance, farmers are adopting a range of strategies, from plowing to herbicide use to agroecological practices. A survey of 244 farmers was conducted in different regions of Morocco. The results show that crop rotation is the most common weed management practice (81.15%), followed by herbicide use (59.43%) and manual weeding (35.25%). Major challenges include weed diversity (81.16%) and weed control budget constraints (84.84%). Farmers’ observations suggest that larger plots are associated with higher weed frequency, underlining the importance of adjusting herbicide application according to field size. In summary, Moroccan farmers are adopting an integrated approach, combining plowing, crop rotations, and herbicides for effective weed management, while facing complex challenges. It is essential to promote innovative and sustainable farming practices, guided by the results of this study, with an emphasis on developing weed-resistant legume varieties. In addition, raising farmers’ awareness of best practices, including the judicious use of herbicides, is crucial for sustainable agriculture in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]