New York, the U.S.’s fourth-most populous state recently announced that on Dec. 31 of this year, glyphosate will be prohibited for use on all state property. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill late last year, after the state legislature passed the legislation in July.
BeyondPesticides.org, which announced the ban of the controversial weed killer on its website, urges caution with legislation’s passage. “A transition away from Roundup and other glyphosate-based pesticides must reject the use of regrettable substitutes, and embrace sound organic principles and practices,” said Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides.
Rather than substitute glyphosate with other toxic pesticides and weed abatement chemicals such as 2,4-D, glufosinate, triclopyr, or dicamba, all of which may harm the soil, wetlands, animals and humans, natural solutions should be implemented, Feldman suggested.
How New York And Other States Can Manage Weeds, Naturally
BeyondPesticides.org recommends that New York take an organic approach to weed abatement that addresses the root causes of pest invasions. One way in which to encourage healthier plant growth is by focusing on the promotion of healthier soil. The logic to this reasoning is that healthier soil encourages healthier plants, and healthier plants are more able to withstand pests and weeds.
For turfgrass, BeyondPesticides.org recommends mowing high, aeration, over-seeding and using compost.
“To manage weeds and pests in natural areas, ecological assessments are conducted, and importance is placed on mechanical and biological management.”
The Greatest Weed Killer Of All Time: Goats?
One natural weed-abatement method that’s gaining in popularity is using goats. Goats not only devour the weeds, their hoof action, urine, and droppings, help restore soil vitality. According to a paper prepared by Beyond Pesticides, the benefits of goat grazing far outweigh those associated with the use of chemical herbicides.
“This has been the experience of communities and public land managers across the country including those in Anaheim, CA; Cheyenne, WY; Mesa, AZ; Hempstead, NY; and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Goats should be considered a safer, economically viable alternative to herbicide use.”
Glyphosate Restrictions Ramp Up, But What’s Replacing It?
An increasing number of municipalities and states are considering restrictions on glyphosate use or outright bans on the Monsanto-spawned herbicide/pesticide, which was brought to market in 1974 and is now the focal point of over 125,000 Roundup cancer lawsuits. Beyond Pesticides suggests that communities that are considering how to replace glyphosate implement a comprehensive policy approach that eliminates not only glyphosate, but all hazardous pesticides registered by EPA. In order to stem the tide of damage to the environment and animals, only with restrictions that only allow products that are compatible with organic landscape management should be used.
