Organic Weed Management in Soybean (Glycine Max L.), Recent Trends, Challenges and Future Predictions

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a vital crop with significant contributions to global food security due to its high protein and oil content. However, weed infestation poses a major threat to soybean yield, necessitating effective management strategies. This review explores recent trends, challenges, and future predictions in organic weed management for soybean cultivation. The discussion covers various non-chemical weed control methods, including preventive, cultural, mechanical, thermal, and biological approaches. Preventive measures focus on preventing the introduction and spread of weed species, while cultural practices such as narrow row spacing and high seeding density enhance crop competitiveness. Mechanical and thermal methods provide effective weed control without chemical intervention. Biological control, though less prevalent, offers environmentally friendly alternatives. The review highlights the benefits of weeds in agro-ecosystems, such as reducing soil erosion and enhancing soil structure. It also addresses the challenges of herbicide resistance and the need for integrated weed management (IWM) strategies to reduce herbicide dependency. The future outlook emphasizes the importance of merging conventional and organic weed management practices to achieve sustainable soybean production.