Organic cultivation of cereals. Field study on a cultivation method currently under development.

摘要

The 1998-99 wheat crop was studied on a multi-crop-livestock farm which had just finished its conversion to organic farming. Situated on a former pea plot with good water reserves, and after surface ploughing, the wheat grew at a normal rate. UntilJune 1999, the crops remained in a generally good state of health in terms of diseases and pests. In June, however, the plot was subjected to a severe outbreak of brown rust (Puccinia triticina) [P. recondita]. Thistle (Cirsium arvense) development was considerable and it was impossible to carry out harrowing as planned; the appearance of bindweed (Convolvulus sepium) [Calystegia sepium] led to lodging at the edges of the plot. The final yield was 55 q/ha, valued at 185 francs/q, more than double the value of conventional wheat. A corn [maize] crop was planted on the plot at the beginning of May 2000; thistles developed during the emergence phase.