Question
QUESTION: I duck hunt that has both ponds and crops.  We have used herbicides such as Roundup to kill the weeds in the ponds.  This year the farmer is wanting to be classified as an organic rice farmer and says herbicides will not be allowed.  Is there an organic herbicide that can used for complete weed and grass kill?

ANSWER: Dear Mr. Hubenak:

The most popular and quite effective organic method of killing weeds is household vinegar.  Farm supply stores typically carry a more concentrated form or commercial grade of vinegar.   The website below provides some background information on the use of vinegar for weed control.

   http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/weeds/2004033037022899.html

In addition, recent developments have shown that corn gluten,  a by-product of the manufacturing process for corn syrup is quite effective in controlling pre-emergent weeds in lawns.

Sincerely,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Someone said that some type of salt could be used.  I do not recall what type of salt.  I assume this would be more harmful to the soil?

Answer
Dear Mr. Hubenak:

In response to your follow-up question regarding the use of salt combined with vinegar as a weed killer.  Listed below is a popular recipe that has received good reviews.  I personally have not tried this recipe.  The ingredients are listed below and the salt is the common everyday table salt:

   4      cups   white vinegar
  1/4    cup salt
   2    teaspoons liquid dishwashing detergent

Combine ingredients and pour into a sprayer and apply to weeds.

Sincerely,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee