Our Plant Health Team weeds each of our 22 million plants by hand at our five growing locations, allowing us to reduce the amount of herbicides required. Hand weeding is a labor intensive process, but one that is safer for the environment.
Another way we combat weed growth is by using organic mulches, which block sunlight and the weeds’ ability to flourish.
In the early 1990s, we began incorporating slow-release fertilizer into the soil, which reduced the amount of nitrogen fertilizer – a source of greenhouse emissions – by 75 percent.
We carefully track the nutritional status of our plants to avoid over-application of fertilizers, which is wasteful and harmful to the environment. By carefully monitoring fertility levels in the soil, we have been able to cut the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied through the irrigation water by an additional 50%.
When pesticide applications are necessary, only the least harmful pesticides are used. Biorational products – pesticides of natural origin that have limited or no adverse effects on the environment or beneficial organisms – are used whenever possible.
