Diverse mixtures and flower strips: effective pest control in the field

Diverse mixtures and flower strips: effective pest control in the field

Successful pest control by arable crops

The current investigation by the University of Bonn illuminates an innovative approach to pest control in agricultural areas: the targeted integration of weeds between the grown plants. This measure has proven to be extremely effective, especially in combination with other sustainable methods such as the cultivation of different plants and the creation of flower strips.

Professor Dr. Thomas Döring from the Institute for Usal Plant Sciences and Resource Protection at the University of Bonn emphasizes the positive effects of this new strategy. Due to the common sowing of different plant species on the same field, the competition is reduced among the plants, which means that they can use the water and nutrient supply more efficiently and achieve higher earnings as a whole.

In addition, some plants such as beans bind nitrogen out of the air, which has a positive effect on soil fertility and benefits from other cultures. The targeted creation of flower strips on the edge of the fields attracts useful insects, the pests such as aphids combat and thus help to reduce the infestation in the mixed cultures.

The role of the remaining intestines in pest control

An interesting aspect of the study is the role of the residual herbs in the promotion of benefit insects, which have a positive effect on pest control. Contrary to the assumption that weeds reduce the yield, researchers have shown that they can even contribute to checking pests. In ecologically farming areas, flower strips, seed mixtures and residue herbs have proven to be effective measures for pest control.

These findings are an important step towards developing sustainable and environmentally friendly methods in agriculture. Due to the targeted integration of arable herbs and other natural measures, farmers can effectively combat pests and at the same time promote biodiversity in their fields.

The study thus suggests that a holistic approach to pest control in agricultural areas can lead to better harvesting yields and a healthier environment in the long term. By implementing these innovative methods, farmers can make a decisive contribution to the protection of nature without having to do without high yields. (University of Bonn)

- Nag