c herbicide, which is absorbed through the leaves and used to kill weeds, especially perennial weeds. The first herbicide H1 may be sprayed through the use of any suitable spraying or applicator device S, and includes an herbicidal alternative to glyphosate for destroying weeds and other vegetation that is resistant to glyphosate. As noted above, the first herbicide H1 is preferably not sprayed directly on the soil, but on a layer of vegetation that has been left on the soil. Alternatively, a plurality of differing herbicides may be applied at this time, dependent on the needs of the user.
The crop C is then allowed to sprout and grow (step 30) without further chemical applications and, following sprouting of the crop, a second herbicide H2 is sprayed on the ground, as shown in FIG. 4. It should be understood that cotton plants C are shown in FIG. 4 for exemplary purposes only. The second herbicide H2 is sprayed on the entire ground, including the regions outside the at least one row R and outside the bands B, along with an overlapping region on the bands B. The second herbicide preferably contains glyphosate as an active ingredient. Alternatively, any herbicide that destroys weeds and plantlife other than the crop itself may be applied.
Following the spraying of glyphosate, the crop C may then be harvested (step 50). Preferably, following harvesting, a cover crop is planted in the field (step 60). The cover crop is preferably a relatively small grain. In the next growing season, the method is preferably begun again without removal of the cover crop. In the above, the first and second herbicides H1 and H2 are typically not sprayed on soil, but on the vegetation that covers the soil. This vegetation includes the cover crop planted and grown following the last harvest, as well as natural vegetation.
In conventional farming, a cover crop may be planted in order to provide protection for the soil from relatively harsh sunlight, from droughts, and from other detrimental environmental conditions. However, in conventional farming, both the cover crop and any natural vegetation, such as weeds, are removed prior to planting. In the inventive method, the cover crop and native vegetation are left on the soil throughout planting, initial growth, and up to the spraying of the glyphosate. The cover crop and vegetation improve air quality (through the natural respiration cycle of the plants, which removes carbon dioxide from the air and produces breathable oxygen), the vegetation produces seeds for birds to eat, and the vegetation aerates the soil and produces nitrogen for richer soil. Further, as the cover crop decays, it produces “crop residue”, which acts as a protective cover over the soil during harsh environmental conditions.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.