Managing weeds without herbicides requires an integration of methods and strategies and a change in how weeds are perceived. Weeds should be managed in a holistic, intentional and proactive manner. Understanding the interactions between the cropping system and the weed community and managing the cropping system to prevent and discourage weeds and maintain a low weed seedbank is necessary for successful weed management in organic systems. Cultural practices, including a well-planned crop rotation, planting cover crops, sanitation practices, and optimum row spacing and timing of planting are important aspects of managing weeds in organic systems. Multiple, well timed shallow cultivations or flaming can eliminate many early season weeds. Once emerged, many crops are fast growing and produce a canopy able to suppress weeds. New technologies for detecting crop rows and weeds coupled with precision cultivation, flaming, and application of nonselective organic herbicides are being developed and hold promise to reduce the need for hand weeding.
