Competition for nutrients varies with the species involved and can determine the success of plants grown at the expense of weeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of competition among three cultivars of maize (hybrid DKB 390 YG, variety AL 25, and hybrid SHS 4080) and six weed species (Bidens pilosa, Cenchrus echinatus, Brachiaria brizantha, Commelina benghalensis, Brachiaria plantaginea and Euphorbia heterophylla) on the accumulation and allocation of nutrients by plants, also determining the potential of these species in nutrient cycling. The experiment was conducted under controlled temperature and humidity, in a randomized block design with four replications. The period of coexistence between corn and weeds was 60 days after corn emergence. The maize cultivars showed reduced ability to accumulate nutrients when in competition. The relative content of weed species was severely reduced as a result ofthis coexistence. The ability to accumulate nutrients apparently does not represent a competitive advantage forthe infesting species. Cultivar AL 25 was the species that tolerated the competition the least and B. brizantha and C. benghalensis showed greater competitive ability. B. brizantha and C. echinatus, free from coexistence with the corn, had high potential for nutrient cycling.
Bidens pilosa; Cenchrus echinatus; Brachiaria brizantha; Commelina benghalensis; Brachiaria plantaginea; Euphorbia heterophylla
