Site selection

Site selection for the crop establishment is very important for the economic success of any plant production. In the organic farming, even more attention is given to the site selection because it can considerably influence the development of diseases, pests and weeds. Generally, it can be said that organic fields should be established on the best cultivation sites for a particular type of production. Appropriate topography, such as flat terrain for vegetables, or hills and slopes of suitable exposure for vineyards will ensure good lighting and airiness. In such conditions, after precipitation, the vegetative mass dries quickly, so the conditions for the development of fungal diseases are unfavourable. The soil on which organic crops are grown should be moderately fertile and well drained with a high content of organic matter. In this way, the vigour of plants will be moderate, and thus the risk of fungal diseases. Favourable soil conditions are important for the development of crop roots, but also for increasing the diversity of the population of useful microorganisms and other animal species which help to regulate the population of weeds and soil-borne diseases. It is important to consider the natural vegetation or agricultural areas around the future field as well as the vegetation on the future field itself since they can be a source of disease or host plants to problematic pests and disease vectors. Moreover, it is necessary to avoid cultivating near abandoned fields. It is recommended to establish crops in areas where the diversity of agricultural crops is wide and agricultural areas are combined with natural habitats in order to create a more active ecosystem.