Mixed crops and cover crops to diversify forage systems and suppress weeds

Initiated before Ecophyto, and strengthened since joining the DEPHY network, the pesticide reduction on the LEGTA de Bréhoulou farm is supported by the board of directors, farm staff, and trainers. It involves both the use of mechanical weeding, the introduction of mixed crops and catch crops, crops that suppress weeds and are low in pesticide use, as well as closer observation of the crops.

Leveraged actions

Introduce mixed crops that partially replace corn and are used as silage for cattle. Mixed crops help reduce weeds pressure through their smothering effect and are unfavorable to the spread of diseases.
Establish a clover and Italian ryegrass (RGI) mix as a catch crop, also used as silage for cattle. The catch crop also reduces pressure from weeds through its smothering effect.

Main results and lessons learned

Grown off-season, mixed crops ensure a forage production by offsetting risks related to low summer rainfall.
Mixed crops allow a reduction in pesticides as they are grown without herbicides and without fungicides.
Cost reduction and improved margins are a reality for fungicide protection.
The reduction of herbicides is more challenging. To progress, farmers have acquired new tools that they are beginning to better master: rotary hoe and tine and disc harrows. Farmers also expect a lot from modifying the rotation on the IFT Herbicides.

MORE INFO IN THE DEPHY FARM TRAJECTORY SHEET

Annexes

Leviers évoqués dans ce système