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WEEDS TELL THE TALE!
The main job of weeds is to fix the soil. Mother Earth does not like bare soil, so if we don’t cover it with something - crops for example, she will cover it with the most appropriate weeds. If land is left un-disturbed for many years, a progression of vaious weeds will occupy the soil until the area is returned to a grass land. The length of time this progression takes (usually 10-15 years) depends on the condition of the soil at the start. The following table (adapted from When Weeds Talk by Jay L. McCaman, 2013) summarizes the conditions best suited for the weeds we are seeing this summer in the spelt crop. After harvest, organic soil enhancers will be added to the land to remedy the deficiencies in preparation for next year’s crop. 
Foxtail Barley is actually not a problem here, but once it starts to grow, something drastic needs to be done to treat the soil before the land dies and grows nothing. If Foxtail is your problem, calcium and phosphate are your friends. Create a healthy soil, and foxtail will not grow.
Portulaca is a garden weed that is easy to control. Simply apply the “Soil Conditioner” detailed in the Remedies tab. One application this past spring aleviated the portulaca problem in the garden here. If there are any other weed problems out there, send along a note, and we will post the ideal conditions needed for their growth so you can remedy the soil and discourage weed growth. |
ABOUT US
Rusk Ranch is located near the middle of Canada in the Swan River Valley agricultural belt. This beautiful acreage is totally surrounded by conventional chemical farms. It is hoped that the information supplied here will aid farmers and gardeners to grow nutrient dense crops (food) in a sustainable manner which is in harmony with Mother Earth!! Come back often for weekly updates! |
