Organic Lawn Care
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Organic lawn care has in fact been practised for far longer than chemical lawn care. The mass production of chemical pesticides and fertilizers during the 1940s ushered in the lawn's transformation from an eclectic and dynamic collection of various grasses, legumes and wildflowers to a sterile monoculture. Since then, the chemical lawn care industry has grown enormously. Many homeowners now believe that lawns require chemicals for survival. This simply is NOT true. A traditional lawn can be maintained without chemicals. In fact, the misuse of chemical pesticides and fertilizers results in an unhealthy lawn. Chemical-dependent lawns are highly susceptible to pests and diseases.
The guiding principle of organic lawn care is to nourish the soil. In this way, it differs fundamentally from chemical lawn care, which focuses on feeding the grass. Restoring and protecting soil health is crucial for the maintenance of a lush, naturally pest and disease resistant lawn. A healthy soil is alive. A diverse collection of organisms - many too small to see with the human eye - interact in complex and intricate ways. Together they break down organic matter, make nutrients available for plant uptake and aerate the soil. Soil aeration is important for water storage and air exchanges. Research shows that chemical fertilizers and pesticides degrade soil life and decrease the level of biological activity.
SOURCE: Organic Landscape Alliance
www.organiclandscape.org
