Hospers-Brands, A.J.T.M.; Bremer, E.G.H. and Lammerts van Bueren, E.T. (2006) The prevention of potato volunteers in organic farming systems by using pigs. Louis Bolk Institute , Department Soil and Plant.
PDF
- English
568kB |
Summary in the original language of the document
In organic agriculture potato volunteers, presenting an important primary inoculum source for late Blight (Phytophthora infestans), are controlled by mechanical meth-ods. These may be partly replaced by ‘foraging’ livestock animals, such as cattle, sheep, horses, ponies or pigs. Most animals eat only the remaining potatoes on the field surface; however, pigs also dig up potatoes. This paper reports on two experi-ments with pigs (sows or finishing pigs), which appear to be very effective in digging up potatoes that are left in the field after the potato harvest within a reasonable time period. However, the workload for the farmer, problems with animal health and meat quality and possible damage to the soil structure seriously limit the applicability of pigs for the control of potato volunteers. Aspects of animal health, animal nutrition and environmental aspects (nutrient excretion) are discussed.
EPrint Type: | Report |
---|---|
Keywords: | Potato volunteers; Pigs; Organic farming |
Subjects: | Crop husbandry > Production systems Crop husbandry > Production systems > Root crops Animal husbandry > Production systems > Pigs |
Research affiliation: | Netherlands > Louis Bolk Institute European Union > 5th Framework Programme > Blight-Mop |
Deposited By: | Hospers-Brands, M.Sc. M. |
ID Code: | 10353 |
Deposited On: | 22 Jan 2007 |
Last Modified: | 15 Apr 2011 09:34 |
Document Language: | English |
Status: | Unpublished |
Refereed: | Not peer-reviewed |
Repository Staff Only: item control page