Weed Management in Low-External-Input and Organic Farming Systems

Abstract

During the past quarter century, growing numbers of government policy makers, scientists, consumers, and farmers have expressed concerns over the impacts of conventional farming practices on environmental quality, human health, and the economic viability of farm families and rural communities. Particularly in western Europe, and to a certain extent in the USA, Canada, and other countries, these concerns have begun to translate into changes in public policy, research priorities, and market opportunities that favor the development of low-external-input (LEI) and organic farming systems. For example, during the 1980s in Sweden, a >50% reduction in agricultural pesticide use was mandated and achieved through coordinated sets of regulations, research and extension education activities, and economic incentives (Bellinder et al., 1994; Matteson, 1995). Similar approaches have been initiated in other European countries (Matteson, 1995). Concurrently, consumer demand for organic crop and livestock products has grown 20 to 25% per annum in the USA, many European countries, and Japan (Geier, 1998; Myers and Rorie, 2001). Sales of organic products in 2000 were estimated at $7.8 billion in the USA (Myers and Rorie, 2001) and at least $7.5 billion in Europe and the UK (Soil Association, 2001). Continued growth is expected in the amount of land managed with LEI and organic methods and in associated economic activity.