Determination of weed species and population densities in corn cultivation areas and comparison of different control methods in terms of efficiency and economics

Herbicides can cause phytotoxicity in cultivated plants due to incorrect agricultural practices while controlling weeds. The main mistakes that may lead to efficiency losses include high doses, calibration errors, repeated applications, and applications at extremely high or low temperatures. This study aims to determine the differences between pre-emergence and post-emergence applications alone, post-emergence applications following pre-emergence applications, mechanical control following pre-emergence applications, and the economic value of single mechanical control for farmers, as well as its impact on yield losses and its effect on weeds. The study was conducted to identify the weed species and their population densities in corn cultivation areas in the Çukurova Region. Field trials were carried out in two different locations, Yeniköy and Yeşilova. In these trials, mechanical control was combined with chemical control using different herbicides (280 g/L Dimethenamid-P + 250 g/L Terbuthylazine, 312.5 g/L S-Metolachlor + 187.5 g/L Terbuthylazine, 75 g/L Mesotrione + 30 g/L Nicosulfuron). At the end of the study, based on yield losses and cost analysis, the most profitable weed control methods were ranked as follows: mechanical control alone, low-dose pre-emergence herbicide applications, mechanical control combined with pre-emergence herbicide application, post-emergence herbicide application alone, and post-emergence herbicide application following pre-emergence application. The lowest profitability was observed in plots where no weed control was performed. In conclusion, herbicide applications should be avoided unless necessary, and the most appropriate control method should be selected by considering potential yield losses.