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.
The Organic Research Centre ORC and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL produced a technical guide that provides step-by-step recommendations to farmers for prevention and direct control of thistles in crops and fallows. The 8-page illustrated guide is available as printed booklet for £ 5.00, 4.00 Euro or 5.00 CHF (incl. VAT plus postage) or as free download at www.organicresearchcentre.com and shop.fibl.org. The publication results from the Organic Knowledge Network Arable project funded by the Horizon 2020 programme of the European Union.
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shop.fibl.org: Technical guide "Creeping Thistle. Successful control in organic farming"