Relationship between Seed Yield of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and Weed Dynamics, Nutrient Uptake and Depletion

Abstract

A field investigation was conducted during two consecutive rabi seasons (2016-17 and 2017-18) to examine the relationship between seed yield of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and major weed and nutrient-related parameters. Correlation and linear regression analyses were performed using year-wise and pooled data to quantify the influence of weed dry matter, total weed density, nutrient depletion by weeds (N, P and K), nutrient uptake by linseed, weed control efficiency (WCE) and weed index (WI) on seed yield. Seed yield exhibited significant and negative correlations with weed dry matter, total weed density, nutrient depletion by weeds and weed index, whereas significant and positive correlations were observed with nutrient uptake by linseed and WCE. Regression analysis revealed that nutrient uptake by linseed explained a major proportion of variation in seed yield (R² > 0.95), while weed-related parameters showed moderate but consistent negative effects. The pooled analysis confirmed the stability of these relationships across years. The study concludes that efficient weed management enhances linseed productivity primarily through reduced nutrient loss to weeds and improved nutrient uptake by the crop. Weed control efficiency also showed a significant positive association with seed yield (r ≈ 0.74).