Researchers have identified at what point during the growing season weeds can inflict the most damage on a crop’s potential yield. Weed crop competition refers to the interaction where weeds, through their presence and growth, negatively affect the yield of crops, not solely by competing for limited resources, but also by influencing physiological responses within the crop. Many empirical models have been developed to describe, and possibly predict, the effect of weeds in crops, many of which are based on the relationship between crop yield loss and weed density (cousens, 1985b). Threshold concepts are critical in weed science as they help farmers and agronomists determine when weed control measures are necessary The concept of thresholds is based on the idea that there is a certain level of weed infestation beyond which crop yields are significantly impacted. The foundation of economic threshold weed control farming rests on three critical factors
Weed density per square foot, expected yield loss percentage, and control cost versus crop value.
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