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The objective of this study implemented in the Peruvian Amazon around the city of Pucallpa was to determine possible use of Inga edulis to control some weed species (e.g. Imperata brasiliensis) and how different agricultural practices influence weed occurrence. The study evaluated four treatments as follows: (1) natural fallow; (2) cropping system with cassava; (3) planted fallow with Inga edulis; (4) planted fallow with I. edulis and kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides). Weed biomasses were measured at 3, 6, 9, 13, 17, 20, 24, 28 and 32 months after fallow initiation. Weed samples were enumerated by counting the number of weeds by species in each subplot. On the research plot, about 20 most frequent weed species were determined. Highest frequency had Imperata brasiliensis; 185.1 individuals/square m at three months and 31.4 individuals/square m at 32 months (Inga + Pueraria). Aboveground biomass reached 180.9 g/square m at three months for Inga fallow. Our results showed that all four treatments led to successful control of grass weed species. But because of the poor development of Inga trees on severally degraded soil, the trees could not suppress the weeds by shading. The trees would probably need more time to prove this ability.
