Creeping thistle has become an increasing problem especially for organic arable farms with soils of higher organic matter content.
Wherever it grows, it competes with the crops for water and nutrients. Once established, much patience is required to achieve a tolerable density of the thistle. So far, there is no ‘magic bullet’ for its control on organic farms. However, by following certain rules of plant cultivation, in combination with direct methods, the thistle can be effectively controlled.
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A weed can have many definitions, one being, any plant growing in a place it is not wanted. This topic focuses mainly on weeds affecting agriculture. Generally weeds are classified into two groups: grass-weeds (e.g Black-grass, Italian ryegrass, Bromes) and broad-leaved weeds (e.g Mayweed, Chickweed, Poppy, Cleavers).
Organic is a system of farming and food production. Organic farmers aim to produce high-quality food, using methods that benefit our whole food system, from people to planet, plant health to animal welfare.
The Organic Research Centre (ORC) is the UK's leading independent organic research organisation. Changing the future of food and farming.
IWM involves using numerous weed control methods to try and manage a weed problem sustainably. Whilst herbicides can still be used as part of an IWM approach, a major aim is to reduce reliance on them by also incorporating methods including, cultural, mechanical, biological, thermal and genetic control. A combination of such approaches can allow for optimal control of a specific weed problem. Related topics on FarmPEP include herbicides and herbicide resistance. You can also view the topic pages on grass weeds and broad-leaved weeds which provide examples of suitable control methods.
