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BASIC Farmers Grow Cleaner Cotton™
The Sustainable Cotton Project (SCP) works with farmers who want to make the transition to more biologically based growing practices. SCP’s Biological Agricultural Systems in Cotton (BASIC) program recruits conventional farmers in order to influence mainstream agriculture and reduce the volume of chemicals released into the environment.
BASIC offers step-by-step technical assistance and regular insect monitoring for growers implementing bio-intensive Integrated Pest Management practices (IPM).
| Integrated pest management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment. |
Soil
Biologically-based farming starts with the soil. Compost and crop rotations reduce or eliminate the use of synthetic fertilizers to keep the soil healthy and productive.
Insect Pests
Rather than attempting to eliminate all insects, BASIC growers cultivate a diversity of natural enemies that prey on insect pests. Well-timed releases of beneficial insects can help reduce pest pressure in a grower’s field. If a significant pest problem develops, BASIC growers are far more likely than their peers to choose reduced-risk materials.
Beneficial insect habitat
Providing habitat for beneficial insects reduces reliance on pesticides by increasing the number of “good bugs” in a cotton field that prey on pests.
Weekly Field Monitoring
BASIC provides enrolled growers with weekly field monitoring for both pests and beneficial insects. Our licensed Pest Control Advisor monitors the field and the planted habitat, providing reports that help growers make decisions about pest management. |
