In coastal and hilly (Malenadu) regions, monsoon rainfall continues for five to six months every year. During this long wet period, the soil remains waterlogged and airless. Under such conditions, the soil becomes acidic, and its natural balance is disturbed. Beneficial microbes that support root growth and nutrient availability become inactive, while harmful microbes multiply. As a result, disease problems increase, and the soil gradually loses its natural fertility.
When the monsoon season ends and the winter season begins, weeds start growing very rapidly in orchards and plantations. These weeds not only compete with crops for nutrients and moisture but also block sunlight and air from reaching the soil surface. Removing weeds during this period is therefore a very important step for maintaining soil health and encouraging the next growth phase—especially flowering and fruit setting in long-term horticultural crops.
Weed Removal Helps Soil Recharge from Sunlight
After continuous rainfall, the soil surface remains cold, wet, and deprived of sunlight. When weeds cover the soil densely, they prevent sunlight from reaching the ground. Once the weeds are cleared, the soil becomes exposed to sunlight, which naturally recharges and rejuvenates it.
Sunlight warms up the soil and improves aeration. This process activates beneficial soil microbes such as nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. These microbes help release nutrients that remain locked during the rainy months. Thus, weed removal followed by sunlight exposure acts as a natural soil therapy that re-energizes the field after the monsoon.
Improves Root Activity and Prepares Plants for Flowering
Most horticultural crops like arecanut, coconut, coffee, and black pepper enter an active physiological phase during winter. After months of excess moisture, plants require warm, aerated soil to prepare for the flower initiation and fruiting stage.
When weeds are removed and the soil receives direct sunlight, root respiration improves, and the roots start absorbing nutrients more efficiently. This natural seasonal change—from wet to moderately dry and warm soil—is essential for flowering.
If weeds are allowed to grow continuously, they retain soil moisture and prevent air circulation, keeping the soil cold and airless. This delays the normal flowering rhythm of the plant. Therefore, weed removal in winter indirectly supports early and healthy flowering and fruit development in horticultural crops.
Enhances Soil Aeration and Reduces Acidity
Waterlogged soils become acidic because of oxygen deficiency. When weeds are removed and soil is exposed to air and sunlight, oxygen enters the soil pores. This helps harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide escape, improving soil respiration. Gradually, the soil pH begins to normalize.
At the same time, beneficial aerobic microbes like Azotobacter, Trichoderma, and Bacillus species become active again. These organisms improve soil structure, decompose organic matter, and suppress disease-causing microbes. Hence, weed removal helps restore the biological balance of the soil that was disturbed during heavy rains.
Weeds Act as a Shelter for Pests and Diseases
During and after the rainy season, many insect pests such as leafhoppers, aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars multiply rapidly on weeds. Weeds like Chromolaena odorata, Ageratum, Eupatorium, and Parthenium serve as breeding centers for these pests.
After the rains, when weeds dry and die naturally, these pests move to nearby standing crops such as arecanut, paddy, vegetables, or pepper. Many pest species also complete part of their life cycle on weeds, and their eggs or pupae remain in the soil or on dry weed residues. When the temperature rises, they emerge as moths and attack new crops.
Hence, removing weeds before they mature and decompose helps break the pest cycle and reduces pest pressure in the following season.
Promotes Better Nutrient Use and Water Efficiency
When weeds are cleared immediately after monsoon the competition for nutrients and water is eliminated. The available nutrients in the soil are fully utilized by crop roots. This is particularly important during the flowering and fruit-setting stages when plants need balanced nutrition.
In perennial crops like arecanut and coconut, weed removal also improves the effectiveness of fertilizers and organic manures applied during the winter months, ensuring that the nutrients reach the root zone of the main crop rather than being absorbed by weeds.
Improves Field Sanitation and Reduces Next-Season Problems
Weeds contribute to the spread of fungal and bacterial diseases. In arecanut and pepper plantations, for example, weeds increase humidity near the soil surface, creating a favorable environment for disease-causing fungi.
Removing weeds and cleaning the field improve air circulation and reduce humidity, which helps control diseases naturally. Direct sunlight acts as a natural sterilizer—many fungal spores, nematodes, and harmful bacteria on the soil surface are destroyed when exposed to sunlight for a few days. This is particularly effective against Phytophthora, the pathogen responsible for fruit rot and bud rot in arecanut and coconut.
Practical Tips for Farmers
- Timing: Weed removal should be done immediately after the monsoon season ends and before weeds set seeds.
- Method: Use brush cutters or manual removal in orchards to avoid soil erosion. Manual removal is better, as the re-emergence of weeds will be slower.
- After removal: Leave the soil open for a few days to receive sunlight, then apply organic manure or microbial cultures (such as Trichoderma or Jeevamrutha) to promote healthy microbial activity.
- Avoid burning weeds: Instead, compost or mulch them to recycle nutrients safely.
Conclusion
For farmers in coastal and hilly zones, weed removal after the monsoon is not just about keeping the field clean—it is a vital soil management practice. When weeds are cleared during winter, the soil gets recharged with sunlight and oxygen, acidity decreases, and beneficial microbes become active again. These changes prepare plants for healthy flowering and fruiting in the coming months.
Regular post-monsoon weed management ensures that long-term horticultural crops remain healthy, disease-free, and more productive year after year.
