This is our Weeding Activity, "Still Unfinished"
In the backyard of my house I have a small crop of bananas, which for the winter season have been somewhat affected by the growth of weeds which grow very quickly. It was almost impossible to inspect, water or care for them. That is why we started a cleaning day with a machete and a brushcutter.
We started this activity in the afternoon hours, which is why we could not finish; However, most of the work was carried out so that my banana plants can grow with the right conditions, since they weeds limit the absorption of water, light, nutrients, and in some cases these weeds have toxic substances that can affect the crop, host pests and diseases, even hinder the harvest. Additionally, this condition can increase the likelihood of snakebites; which is why it is essential to keep the surroundings of my banana crop clear and free of weeds.
As you can see in the following image the weeds are very abundant, forming a large network of superficial and compact roots that drown my banana plants.
Currently, weed control has become an easy task, since through the Internet we can find many options to do it either naturally, with chemical products or equipment for weeding; however, I chose manual control, which is the traditional way of controlling weeds through the use of small hand tools specially made to remove weeds and avoid the use of chemicals, which can damage the life of the soil, our plants, or the relatives health of , and in this way practicing and promoting natural agriculture.
Tools Used to Weed
- Scythes.
- Machetes.
- Scissors.
- Pallas.
- Rakes.
- Gloves.
- Transparent lenses.
- Boots.
Recommendations:
The most advisable thing is to pull the root weed, pile it and leave it to dry so that it forms compost and this will be returned to the ground to fertilize it.
To avoid its reappearance, it is advisable to place a thin cover of organic matter twice a month on the basis of straw, crusts and residues of crushed vegetables. This allows retarding the growth of the weeds, since their buds do not have enough light to continue their growth.
Do not burn the stubble, as it provides organic matter for the soil.
It is essential to use the appropriate tools and personal protective equipment; (especially to cut the arestín, which is an umbelliferous plant with thorny leaves and blue flowers).
