Due to the existence of poor competitive characterization of weeds and of their competitive ability under unfavourable climate and soil conditions, the competition potential of Tridax procumbens and soybean was evaluated. The experiment was carried out under control conditions in a growth chamber, using a replacement series system including the monoculture and its competing weeds, under normal water conditions and temporary water deficiency. The assessments included evapotranspiration, height, leaf and specific leaf area, dry matter ratios of root, stem, and leaf, carbon net assimilation and photosynthesis rate, and nitrate reductase activity at 20, 50, and 70 days after the transplant, as well as macronutrient levels. Minor evapotranspiration, length, and leaf area, as well as carbon net assimilation rate of T. procumbens were observed, with increases in specific leaf area and leaf area ratio. Even under temporary water deficit, soybean showed higher height, leaf area, and total dry matter. The soybean's net assimilation rate was higher than that of the weed, although the latter surpassed the former at the beginning of the crop's growth. Nitrate reductase activity was also higher for the soybean. Mineral analysis showed changes in the weed's partition, mainly in K and Mg concentration in the leaves and stems, respectively. Based on the comparisons of the treatments, it was concluded that T. procumbens presents low competitive potential when grown with soybean, even under water deficit. It was not possible to distinguish the effect caused by competition for water from the other competitive effects between soybean and T. Procumbens, although a greater intra-specific competition by the crop was verified.
Glycine max; Tridax procumbens; photosynthesis; water
