Organic farmers use natural weed control methods.
Weed prevention is essential to successful farming, as weeds can rob crop plants of nutrients, moisture and space. Organic farmers must utilize control methods that spurn synthetic chemical herbicides. Does this Spark an idea?
General Info
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organic farmers are prohibited from using any synthetic substances or ingredients to control pests or weeds. This means that most chemical herbicides are forbidden; therefore, organic farmers must use other methods to control weeds among crops.
Weed Prevention
One of the best ways to control weeds organically is to prevent them from growing in the first place. Organic farmers rotate crops to give weeds an ever-changing habitat, which prevents them from proliferating, according to University of Vermont Extension. Mulch, made of either organic material or black plastic, provides a physical barrier to weed growth and blocks light. Composting animal manure helps reduce the number of weed seeds added to the soil.
Weed Suppression
Organic farmers also use a technique called "smother cropping," which involves planting competitive species to starve weeds of light, moisture, nutrients and space, according to University of Vermont Extension. Mowing or edging between crop rows can help control weeds. Hand weeding is also effective, but is labor intensive. Organic herbicides like corn gluten meal, potassium salts of fatty acids, and acetic acid can also be used.
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