4:40:00 AM
Weed control continues to be one of the biggest challenges
for organic field crop producers. For effective management use a combination of
these non-pesticide techniques.
Farmers are consistently waging war against weeds, but none
more so than organic farmers who have to do so without the aid of weed killers
and pesticides.
Organic farmers need to understand their own crop
environment and utilise a combination of control methods to reduce their weed
problem risk.
Here are ten strategies to combat weeds the organic way:
1. Crop stand
A healthy, vigorous, thick crop is prominent to good
weed control. A thin stand increases light and opens it up for weeds to
germinate and thrive.
2. Crop rotation
Multiple year crop rotations change the weed mix. A rotation
can break disease and pest cycles providing healthier, more competitive crops.
3. Variety selection.
There is a big difference in crop varieties and their
ability to compete with weeds. Varieties with strong early vigour, bushy type
structure, leafiness and fast canopy closure improve the ability to minimize
light penetration to the soil and can reduce weed pressure.
4. Clean seed
Don’t introduce new weed species or increase the weed seed
bank by planting crop seed that is not thoroughly cleaned.
5. Soil structure
Soil compaction reduces crop vigour and tends to promote
curtain small seeded weeds. Be patient and don’t work wet soil.
6. Spring tillage
Start with a weed-free seed bed. There are many tillage tool
options used successfully by organic farmers. Do not overlook that ploughing
tends to bury weed seed and plant residues giving it a little bit of an
advantage.
7. Delayed planting.
Warmer soils in late August and early September will promote
more vigorous crop growth. Delayed planting can also provide an opportunity to
till the first flush of weeds.
8. Pre-emerge tillage.
Two to four days after planting and before crop has emerged,
the weeds are usually in the white root stage.
This is a critical time to use a weeder, rotary hoe or
another tool that will penetrate about 1 to 1.5 inches. This will dry out the
top inch of soil and kill many of the small weeds.
9. Post-emerge tillage.
Be ready with a variety of tools. The first cultivation
might be the most important. The weeder and rotary hoe can be used with care
after the crop has emerged. Flamers can be used pre- and early post, but skill
and know-how is critical.
Cutaway disks, weed controllers, spinners, shields, etc.,
are all special attachments that can aid in weed control effectiveness.
Correct speed, proper adjustment, good maintenance, operator
skill and good weather make a huge difference in the weed control success.
10. Mulches.
Small-scale systems can have excellent weed control from a
wide assortment of mulching materials.
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