Crocus sativus and Weeds
Christian Lachaud (Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:20:37 PDT)

Russ, you can try (1) to cover beds with black plastic sheets as soon as
saffron goes dormant. Corms are deep enough not to be affected by heat,
unless you have a shallow planting or (as it seems) you are in an area with
strong insulation (make a test first : I'm not responsible for
consequences). Without light, weeds die. Their seeds are killed by heat;
(2) add mulch, which will prevent seeds from germinating. But depending on
your soil characteristics, climate, and type of mulch, mulch can promote
fungal diseases on corms (make also a test : same); (3) introducing gooses
or any small grazing animal (which weight will not tamp the soil) in your
field (after saffron goes dormant and before it grows back) : they will
clean it.

I need to add that there is no miracle solution : weeds are still there and
will always be there. Therefore, it is more a question of finding clever
balance with nature.

For instance, I am currently promoting a tiny (3cm) annual winter weed,
which forms a very dense mat suppressing germination of all other plants,
but which is too small to have any impact on saffron. I don't know the name
of this plant and if anyone wants to help me id it, you are most welcome. I
can take pictures and post it on the forum.

*Dr. Christian M. Lachaud, PhD*
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