A DISCRETE-TIME MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR THE CONTROL OF WEEDS POPULATION DENSITY TOWARDS IMPROVING CROP YIELDS

Abstract

In this paper, a mathematical model for the control of single weed species population density is proposed. The model’s steady-state solutions were obtained and analysed for local and global stabilities. The analysis reveals that the model is locally asymptotically stable and as well globally stable. Graphical simulations were carried out to support the analytic analysis of the model for the global stability and concludes that, weed proliferation may be controlled if the control strategy is target at the recruitment factors. Base on this finding, it is recommended that for effective control, weeds management tactics should be targeted at the recruitment stage rather than the usual practice of controlling mature weed through the application of herbicides. Hence, application of the results of this work may reduce or eradicate the weeds density and improve crop yield at its optimum capacity for sustainable food production.