Flowers, honeybees, and native plants provided more than a colorful backdrop when farmers and agricultural professionals gathered at Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm on July 7.
The “Blooms, Bees, and Biodiversity for Thriving Farms” field day brought 33 participants to the farm’s certified organic growing area, Honeybee Station, and pollinator habitat. Presented in collaboration with the Organic Association of Kentucky, the event offered practical guidance for supporting pollinators, managing weeds, and strengthening farm ecosystems.
The Kentucky State organic agriculture team, led by Research and Extension Associates Oluwaseun “Seun” Mofikoya and Linelle Rivera-Rodriguez, organized the field day. Additional Land Grant Program specialists contributed expertise in pollinator habitat establishment and apiculture.
Mofikoya and Rivera-Rodriguez began in the farm’s cut flower plots, where participants examined several approaches to weed management in certified organic production. The demonstration beds allowed attendees to compare the use of wood mulch, landscape fabric, and organic herbicides.
Weed control can be especially important in cut flower production because unwanted plants compete with flowers for water, nutrients, and sunlight. The demonstrations helped participants consider the effectiveness, labor requirements, and potential applications of different management practices.
Source : kysu.edu