If you have organic gardening, knowing the ethical and proper pest control in organic farming can be super handy. Organic farming refers to an agricultural system for livestock and crop production that ‘works together’ with Mother Earth instead of against it. The system is eco-friendly with the purpose of protecting the ecosystem’s ecological balance while at the same time enhancing biodiversity and maintaining soils’ health. Not to mention that organic farming or gardening can generate healthier (and safer) produce that can affect your health, as well as your loved ones.
Pest Control Importance
It’s a big issue for both non-organic as well as organic farming. But non-organic production can ‘freely’ use the pesticides. Such an action may resolve their pest issue, but not so much with environmental concern. This practice won’t be allowed in the organic system.
Why is it important to pay attention to the right pest control in organic farming? Pest issues refer to the agricultural threats, mostly related to crop damage. Insects may damage and injure the plants – eating their leaves, hurting the roots, and so much more. Aside from the direct impact, these pests can also spread indirect damages, such as transmitting fungal, viral, or bacterial infections. Not to mention that pests are coming in various forms, like rodents or insects.
Some Common Practices
There are some methods for pest control in organic farming that everyone can do, provided that they have the determination to do it. It’s a good thing that the methods are various, so you can choose which one works the best for your situation.- Physical Barriers This is one of the most classic and traditional ways to keep pests at bay. The examples are quite plentiful. One of the most common examples is to install fences, so bigger pests (like rabbits or deer) won’t come close to your garden or farm. You can also use row covers to get rid of insects from touching your plants.
- Homemade Pesticides Pesticides don’t have to be chemical and harsh and dangerous. You can use natural and organic ingredients to control the pests. Neem oil, for instance, can be used as spray. You’d be surprised to know that it can affect quite a lot of pests. Have you ever mixed (organic) washing liquid and water? Feel free to use it to remove the aphids. Some people even mix up veggies oil, water, and bicarbonate soda to deal with blight and other health issues.
- Crop Rotation Not only crop rotation is good for the soil (as it would restore its natural balance and health), but it’s also good to deal with pests. Crop rotation is about planting different kinds of crops every year to boost soil restoration. It’s also good to prevent pest population build-up. You see, pests (along with their diseases) typically target certain crops. But if the host plants aren’t available, how can they survive? With crop rotation, you can enjoy multiple benefits that also cover improved soil fertility.
- Natural Predator Introduction Having natural predators in your garden or farm is one of the most eco-friendly ways to control the pests. For instance, ladybugs are predators of aphids. Birds are natural predators of insects. Attracting birds to your garden can be effective to control the annoying insect pests. Provide bird feeders and nesting boxes, and you have your own watchguard to control the pests. If you have other pests, you need to figure it out.
- Companion Planting You can consider planting different crop types together, so their complementary characteristics can benefit one another. Let’s say that you plant basil and lettuce together, and you can get rid of aphids. When you plant tomatoes and marigolds, you can prevent nematodes.