10193: Knowledge development for organic systems: An example of weed management

Davies, G; Turner, R; Bond, B and Gibbon, D (2006) Knowledge development for organic systems: An example of weed management. Poster presented at What can organic farming deliver? COR 2006, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, 18-20 September 2006; Published in Atkinson, C; Ball, B; Davies, D H K; Rees, R; Russell, G; Stockdale, E A; Watson, C A; Walker, R and Younie, D, Eds. Aspects of Applied Biology 79, What will organic farming deliver? COR 2006, page pp. 107-110.

Summary

Despite the large amount information on weed biology and specific weed control measures produced by researchers, organic farmers still prioritise weeds as an important area for further research. A recent project investigating weed management in organic farming systems has established that knowledge and learning are key requirements for this to be effective. Development of relevant, practically useful knowledge depends on access to information generated ‘scientifically’ by researchers and also to knowledge generated as a result of farmer experience with weeds. This requires that farmers, advisors and researchers take a participatory approach to collecting and processing information on weed management, using it to develop new and relevant knowledge. The appropriate framework for knowledge development is thus a collegiate one in which all stakeholders’ value and learn from the observations and experience of others. These findings have implications for the way in which research is conducted and funded.

Archive Staff Only: edit this record