Benefits of using fennel as isolation buffer in organic agriculture

Abstract

In organic plant production it is necessary to establish isolation buffer between organic and conventional production areas. Organic demo-field was established towards the end of 2008 in a part of Institute 'Tamiš' Pančevo experimental field. The perennial fennel (Foeniculum vulgare P. Mill.) was planted as isolation buffer. Phenological observations were performed and variable costs monitored in the foundation year of 2009 and in the following 2010. The production costs, otherwise high in organic production, were not increased. The fennel production achieved visibly better financial results as compared to sunflower and maize production, which are the plant species most often used as isolation buffers. The product can be processed to manufacture bio-preparation that can also be used in organic production. Also, fennel is an entomophilic plant species, has a long blooming phase, attracts useful insects, pollinators and predators, aiding biodiversity and bio-control maintenance and improvement in agroecosystems.

Keywords

• fennel
• isolation buffer
• organic agriculture