Practice

Description

Companion planting

A mix of species of plants within a row or bed--was rated difficult to manage by farmers in one study (G1) due to varying cultural needs such as planting time, irrigation needs, and harvesting.

Strip planting, Strip cropping

The practice of growing two or more crops in different strips across a field wide enough for independent cultivation, (e.g., alternating six-row blocks of soybeans and corn, or alternating strips of alfalfa with cotton) was rated as most easily adapted to vegetable production systems (G1). Like intercropping, strip cropping increases the diversity of a cropping area, which in turn may help "disguise" the crops from pests. Another advantage is that one of the crops may act as a reservoir and/or food source for beneficial organisms. However, much more research is needed to study the complex interactions between different crops and their pest and predator complexes.

Multiple cropping

The production of more than one crop on the same land in one year. Depending on the type of cropping sequence used, multiple cropping can be useful as a weed control measure, particularly when the second crop is interplanted into the first.

Interplanting

The seeding or planting of a crop into a growing stand, such as overseeding a cover crop into a grain stand.

Intercropping

The practice of growing two or more crops in the same, alternate, or paired rows in the same area. This technique is particularly appropriate in vegetable production. The advantage of intercropping is that the increased diversity helps "disguise" crops from insect pests, and if done well, may allow for more efficient utilization of limited soil and water resources.

Cover crops

Cover crops and green manures can be integrated into both perennial and annual cropping systems. Cover crops, often a legume or grass species, prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds. A cover crop can also be used as a green manure.

Green manures

Generally incorporated into the soil to provide nitrogen and organic matter for subsequent crops. When incorporated, some cover crops in the Brassica family (such as rapeseed, broccoli and radish) have the ability to suppress nematode pests (G2). Left in the field as residues, rye, wheat, and some other grasses will provide greater than 90 percent weed suppression (G3,G4).

Windbreaks Shelterbelts and Hedgerows

These are linear barriers of trees, shrubs, perennial forbs and grasses that are planted along field edges or other unused areas. When done correctly, they reduce windspeed and, as a result, modify the microclimate in the protected area. Aside from providing a microclimate favorable to beneficial organisms, shelterbelts also protect against wind erosion of soil, decrease the dessicating effect of winds on crops, help enhance snow distribution and provide wildlife habitat.

Permanent border

A strip of permanent vegetation bordering a field. A border such as this can be modified to attract beneficial insects throughout the cropping season if the proper plants are used and sufficient water is made available.