This is a relatively new management practice that is being promoted by low input, sustainable agriculture proponents. It has the possibility to provide benefits to wildlife.
Purpose is to kill weeds, annual plants, grasses, and other undesirable vegetation.
Used as part of agricultural field preparations. Cover is much better on chemical fallow than traditional summer fallow. If so, it's conceivable that those species that use idle cropland will benefit by this practice in comparison to cultivation of fallow fields. This practice would be an excellent one for further research. Return to Review of Individual Management Practice Effects main page.