Impact of Weed Management Strategies on Soil Chemical Properties, Fertility Dynamics, and Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Productivity in a Semi-Arid Environment

Weed competition is a major constraint to sesame production in semi-arid regions, necessitating sustainable weed management strategies. This study evaluated the efficacy of eleven weed control treatments, including hoe weeding, Pendimethalin herbicide, and Tithonia diversifolia extract, on weed suppression, soil fertility, and sesame yield at two locations in Northern Nigeria. The experiment was laid a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil physicochemical properties were assessed pre-and post-treatment. Results indicated that hoe weeding at 3 and 6 significantly (p <0.05) resulted in the highest yield (1.624 t ha⁻¹ at BUK and 1.544 t ha⁻¹ at Bagauda) with the lowest weed density and weed index. Among integrated treatments, Pendimethalin at 1.0 kg a.i ha⁻¹ with Tithonia diversifolia extract (10% W/V) as post-emergence at 6 WAS significantly (P < 0.001) reduced weed density (81.0 m² at BUK and 141.7 m² at Bagauda) and increased yield (1.421 t ha⁻¹ at BUK and 1.305 t ha⁻¹ at Bagauda). Soil fertility analysis showed improvements in organic carbon and phosphorus levels under Tithonia-based treatments, suggesting its potential as a sustainable organic amendment and bioherbicide. These findings emphasize the importance of integrated weed management to enhance productivity while maintaining soil health. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of Tithonia diversifolia on soil ecosystems.