author(s)
Lucas Pereira, Sofia Müller and Maria Johansson

abstract
Weed control in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a critical factor for optimizing crop growth and yield, particularly under irrigated conditions. The integration of various weed management methods, such as chemical, mechanical, and biological approaches, plays a crucial role in enhancing the productivity of field pea crops. This research examines the effectiveness of different weed control strategies, comparing the impact of herbicide application, manual weeding, and the use of cover crops in reducing weed competition while promoting optimal field pea growth. The research was conducted in an irrigated field, with data collected on weed biomass, field pea plant height, pod number, and yield. Results indicated that herbicide application significantly reduced weed biomass and enhanced plant growth compared to manual weeding and cover crops. Furthermore, combining chemical and mechanical control methods led to the best overall performance in terms of both weed suppression and crop yield. This research aims to provide valuable insights for farmers on selecting the most effective weed control methods for field peas under irrigated conditions, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. The findings suggest that integrated weed management strategies, involving both chemical and mechanical methods, should be considered for optimizing field pea growth and improving crop yields in irrigated systems.