Question

What are the weeds? Name any two common weeds and state why it is important to remove weeds from the fields.

Answer 1

Hint: Weeds are unwanted plants. They hold the importance for farmers for their crops and it is considered as one of the major threats for crops. Weed plants cover the whole field if it is not controlled.

Complete answer: Weed plants are defined as" a plant in an undesirable place and situation" or these are defined as unwanted plants which grow in the crop fields and cause serious problems.
Two common examples of weeds are Amaranth and Moss. The removal of weeds is very important for efficient agricultural management and proper growth of crops they need to be removed and there are several reasons for it which include:
i. They tend to grow faster than crop plants and they can outgrow the fields, therefore, making it difficult for harvest.
ii. They cause a reduction in crop yield as they compete with crop plants for water, light and nutrients thereby affecting their growth they cause heavy loss to the farmers.
iii. They cause an increase in the cost of cultivation. As they need labour for the removal of weed from the fields.
They affect the irrigation efficiency as weeds block the drainage and check the flow of water.
iv. Weeds reduce the value of lands because the land having high growth of weed plants has less value for sale and thereby affects farmers' income.
v. Weeds are harmful to human health and some weeds produce certain toxins which cause allergy, irritation and poisoning in human beings.
vi. Their secretions are very harmful to plants as they affect the germination in plants and cause lower growth.
vii. Weeds are known to harbour various pests, insects and diseases in them thereby causing major losses to crops.
viii. Weeds are known to reduce the value of livestock products as we can't feed such crops to our animals because they may cause diseases in them and parasite infestation.
ix. They affect the fertility of soil as they consume a large amount of soil.
x. They are tolerant of extreme conditions and can survive the harsh conditions. They cause seed dormancy of crop plants.

Note: The process of removing weed is known as weeding. Weeding is important as it causes major losses in crops. Weeding methods include a manual method i.e with hands and chemical methods involve the use of herbicides, powered cultivation, etc.