Problem: Field borders and other non-crop farm areas are perfectly suited for weed infestations, and traditional methods invite a cycle of noxious growth. The combination of spraying, disking or scraping clears the land of vegetation and thus encourages return by the most opportunistic invaders, the very pests you hoped to destroy. Borders and set-asides are expensive to maintain, cleaned areas erode faster, and IPM options for beneficial insects and predators are nill. Mechanical plus chemical controls are short-lived, labor costs are high, and injuries from accidents increase as terrain becomes steep, awkward, or inaccessible.

Solution: Plant a farm-friendly native plant hedgerow - the traditional, multi - purpose buffer brings sustaining impacts to your farm. Hedgerows provide an astonishing number of benefits, starting with weed control and reduction of weed seed banks in uncropped areas. Most important of all are IPM advantages. By providing insectory and wildlife habitat in areas of intensive agriculture, beneficial, pest-eating insects, reptiles, mammals, and birds are established and maintained. Beginning the first year, native plant hedgerows blossom into a steady, recurring home for beneficial insects and pest predators. Hedgerow shrubs, trees, and grasses also anchor the soil with deep roots that control wind and water erosion, restricting sediment loss. If you can grow crops, you can grow hedgerows that support crop yields, add beauty to your farm, require little to no attention once established, protect against soil loss and spray drift, and capture excess nutrients and pesticides. Not bad for an idea as old as the hills!

To read further information on hedgerow benefits from our Resource Library, link to : Hedgerows