Organic farming found to eliminate plant parasites longer than conventional chemical pesticides

Organic farming practices may help mitigate the proliferation of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN), a study published in the journal Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment revealed. According to the scientists, a combination of agriculture intensification and poor agronomic practices led to increased incidence of PPN and other soil pathogens in East Africa. This then resulted in reduced crop productivity in smallholder farms.

A team of researchers carried out two field trials — one in farmer fields and one on-station — in order to assess the efficacy of organic farming against PPN and other soil pathogens. The field trials involved maize that was intercropped with beans and in rotation with beans as a sole crop.

The scientists also examined three farming methods during the study. Organic farming method involved compost, Tithonia diversifolia, and neem cake, while conventional farming used fertilizer and various nematicide. The experts also assessed farmer practice that received manure, Tithonia diversifolia, and wood ash. Likewise, a farm with no input application served as the study’s control farm.