Weed community composition and rice husbandry practices in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

The composition of weed communities in rice fields is described in relation to crop husbandry and soil factors in New South Wales. Four species characterized the weed community: Cyperus difformis, Elatine gratioloides, Damasonium minus and Echinochloa crus-galli all occurred at over 70% of sites. Variation in floristic composition was mainly associated with less common species that were present in addition to these four. Intensity of rice cropping appeared to be a major environmental factor influencing community composition. The four character species, together with Diplachne fusca and Chara were positively correlated with intensive rice production. Two groups of plants were found to be asso..