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Traps, sticky cards, and baits are utilized to do "counts" of pests. In this way, we can
establish when a threshold is met and proceed against the pest instead of just
spraying "to spray". We have learned that we can spray less often and use
lower amounts by staying abreast of the technology being offered. Today,
we are able to use a variety of ways to achieve success. One way is to
release predatory bugs and mites to attack the pests who are doing damage to
our crops (i.e. Good Bugs to fight Bad Bugs). We also use natural sprays
and fungicides approved for organics. There are new products being introduced
every year. The USDA and several companies are working on products to be
released soon due to the increasing demand for fruits and vegetables grown using
environmentally-friendly practices.
We also use "cover crops" to add organic matter to the soil. Instead of
chemicals, we use Rape, which is part of the Brassica family of plants, to
naturally fumigate the soil.
Rotation of crops is very important in keeping disease pressure to a minimum.
Some crops cannot be planted in the same location year after year. By
using the right crops before and after a crop (such as strawberries), you can
better protect yourself against crop failure.
"Trickle Irrigation" is used for everything we grow here. It reduces the amount
of water used, and you don't have mold-mildew damage associated with over-head
irrigation. In addition,
run-off is non-existent using drip tape.
We also use raised-bed "plasticulture" growing methods with our strawberries as it
produces top quality fruit that is clean and up off the ground for easy picking.
No weeds around plants means less spraying and that's good for the environment.
It is more expensive and more work but it's worth it. |
