In a message dated 23/02/2009 12:40:49 GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask]  
writes:

But I  may be wrong. What organic practices do you see that would work in  a
commercial operation?




Simple crop rotation to avoid pest build up; undersowing with legumes to  
provide nitrogen; folding livestock (eg poultry) on land between crops to  
de-weed and de-seed as well as manuring spring to mind immediately. I am sure  there 
are others.  These simple practices would very much reduce if not  eliminate 
the need for aggressive weed control; and also provide some  much-needed 
forage for honey bees and other pollinators and all the wildlife  that live off 
them.
 
The farmer might produce marginally less but on the other hand his inputs  
should also be less and so there is scope for a balancing act. Also the farmer  
wouldn't have all his eggs in one basket so that if one crop failed or there 
was  a glut in the market reducing prices, then he would have a chance of 
making up  the difference from another crop from his farm.
 
Chris

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