Protecting Plants from Pests and Weeds

Plant protection

Humans have relied heavily on plants since the first civilization. The purpose for which people sought plants ranged from food to medicine. Some were even used as clothing. With the passage of time, science developed and our reliance on plants decreased. Usage of man-made material for clothing had begun. Medicines were being manufactured from chemicals. To some extent, plants’ usage as food was substituted by man-made products. However, plants still play a major part in our day to day life. Therefore, it becomes imperative to take care of plants and ensure that they aren’t lost to damages caused by external factors.

Plant protection is the practice of managing weeds, diseases, and pests that cause irreversible damage to plants. In fact, weather also plays a vital role in causing damage to plants. For instance, frost can destroy plants. If not taken care of, these external factors can destroy the plants which, in turn, increase financial costs of the planters. Thus, it is beneficial to invest in protection of the plants.

Pests have been a menace ever since humans relied on plants. Fungal infection, beetles, caterpillars, deer, and dogs- the list is endless. To avoid loss of plants, planters can follow the techniques like fencing, cloches, and row covers. In addition, people can resort to chemical barriers like pesticides. However, one should keep in mind that these are chemicals and, therefore, need to be used in judicious proportions. Excessive amounts can be harmful to both, the soil and plants. Some other alternatives include crop rotation and picking disease resistant plant varieties. Crop rotation is beneficial for the planter as it ensures balance of nutrients in the soil.

Saving plants from weeds is necessary. Weeds are unwanted plants that compete with the main plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Moreover, they spread pests on to the plants which, in turn, cause irreversible damage. The most common method of removing weeds is by pulling them out of the soil manually or, by using a trowel. One can also eliminate weeds by spraying a weedicide. However, one should keep in mind that these chemicals are poisonous, and have side effects. Thus, they need to be used with care.

Gardeners, botanists, agricultural gurus, and homeowners have been fighting the frost plague for many years now. Generally plaguing the season of spring, frost protection is essential. One of the tried and trusted methods is using fabric or commercial coverings. When laid out properly, frost has a very difficult time creeping beneath the covering. Various other avenues explored by planters are covering the plant by a box or, with glass.

There are some problems, like global warming, that cause extensive damage to the plants. It is a very grave problem not only for the plants, but for the entire planet. They work like greenhouses by covering the plants. Using polytunnel keeps plants safe under such weather conditions. The advantages of using polytunnel include ease of transportation, cheaper compared to the greenhouses, and easy to place in gardens or farms. Using these enhances the garden/ farm and, increases productivity.

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