Influence of Integrated Weed Management and Nitrogen Levels on Nutrient Dynamics, Yield, and Quality of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under Semi-arid Conditions

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season, to evaluate the effect of integrated weed-management practices and nitrogen levels on nutrient content, uptake, nitrogen-use efficiency, and seed quality of sesame. The trial followed a factorial randomized block design comprising seven weed-management strategies and three nitrogen rates (0, 20, and 40 kg N ha⁻¹). Results revealed that the application of imazethapyr at 0.15 kg ha-1 fb one hand-weeding at 30 DAS significantly improved crop growth parameters, nutrient content (N, P, K), and seed yield (855 kg ha-1), while also minimizing nutrient depletion by weeds. This treatment was statistically on par with two hand-weedings at 20 and 40 DAS. Nitrogen application up to 40 kg ha-1 significantly increased total nutrient uptake (N: 50.44 kg ha-1, P: 9.76 kg ha-1, K: 83.74 kg ha-1), seed protein (17.31%), and oil content (43.39%). However, it also led to higher nutrient removal by weeds under sub-optimal weed control. The findings show that combining effective weed suppression strategies with moderate nitrogen application improves yield, quality, and nutrient-use efficiency of sesame in semi-arid, loamy-sandy soils.