By Umar Nsubuga
Weeds are a constant challenge in our gardens, often regarded as unwelcome intruders that compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
While the battle against weeds is ongoing, many farmers overlook the potential of working with nature to maintain a healthy garden.
Instead of fighting nature, understanding and leveraging its mechanisms can result in better yields and sustainable practices.
Professor Kant Kanyarusoke, REFWE managing director and a commercial farmer in Kyegegwa district, highlights the importance of natural methods for weed control and soil health.
“When you align your farming practices with nature, you save costs and improve productivity,” he explains.
Nature provides an array of solutions for garden protection. By fostering biodiversity, maintaining soil health, and utilising natural cycles, farmers can reduce their dependency on chemical inputs and create a balanced ecosystem within their gardens.
“Every plant, insect, and microorganism has a role in maintaining the balance. We need to understand this interplay and work with it.” Professor Kanyarusoke explains.
Working with nature
Professor Kanyarusoke advises to cover crops like legumes not only suppresses weeds but also enriches the soil with nitrogen. They act as natural barriers, preventing weed growth while boosting soil fertility.
Mulching with organic materials such as straw, grass clippings, or leaves creates a physical barrier that suppresses weed germination and retains soil moisture.
He says rotating crops disrupt the life cycle of pests and weeds, reducing their impact over time. This practice also ensures the soil is not depleted of specific nutrients.
Certain insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, naturally prey on pests. Planting flowering plants around the garden attracts these helpful creatures, also organic compost enriches the soil, promoting the growth of crops while creating an environment less favourable for weeds, he explains.
Isaac Malinga, a commercial farmer in Kapchesombe village, Kapchorwa district, explains how nature-based methods can transform farming practices.
Malinga shares his experience of adopting nature-friendly methods.
“I used to rely heavily on herbicides, which were costly and harmful to the soil. When I started using mulching and crop rotation, I noticed significant improvements in both weed control and yields,” he says.
Professor Kanyarusoke points out how integrating livestock into farming systems can enhance natural weed management.
“Livestock grazing on weeds helps control their growth while providing manure for the crops. It’s a win-win situation,” he explains.
Challenges
Benon Kisomose, an agronomist, also sheds light on why this approach is essential for modern farming.
Kisomose says working with nature has immense benefits, it requires patience and understanding.
“Farmers often expect quick results, which isn’t always the case with natural methods. There’s a learning curve, but the long-term benefits outweigh the challenges,” he notes.
Moreover, climatic variations can sometimes affect the effectiveness of these methods. For example, heavy rains can wash away mulch or disrupt the balance of beneficial organisms in the soil. Farmers need to adapt their practices to changing weather patterns.
Benefits of nature-based farming
Working with nature not only protects gardens but also enhances sustainability. Reduced reliance on chemical inputs lowers production costs and minimises environmental impact.
