Alternatives to Synthetic Products For Managing Landscapes and Pests
Use these links to identify and source appropriate fertilizers and amendments, including least-toxic pest control products to be used when needed in an organic land management program after cultural, mechanical, and biological methods have been prioritized.
There are three categories that cover products compatible with organic land care:
The Organic Materials Review Institute is a nonprofit that independently reviews products to identify those compatible with the USDA's organic Standards. Minimum risk pesticides are those exempted from registration by the EPA, that must meet specific criteria. Biopesticides are made of naturally occurring substances and are considered to be "inherently less toxic than conventional pesticides" by the EPA. Some of these categories may overlap, such as a minimum risk pesticide being OMRI listed.
This information can help you or your municipality find products to use that are compatible with the Standards for organic land care.
There are three categories that cover products compatible with organic land care:
The Organic Materials Review Institute is a nonprofit that independently reviews products to identify those compatible with the USDA's organic Standards. Minimum risk pesticides are those exempted from registration by the EPA, that must meet specific criteria. Biopesticides are made of naturally occurring substances and are considered to be "inherently less toxic than conventional pesticides" by the EPA. Some of these categories may overlap, such as a minimum risk pesticide being OMRI listed.
This information can help you or your municipality find products to use that are compatible with the Standards for organic land care.
ALTERNATIVE PRODUCT LISTS
OMRI Lists
Active Ingredients Eligible for Minimum Risk Pesticide Products
Inert Ingredients Eligible for FIFRA 25(b) Pesticide Products
Beyond Pesticides Products Compatible With Organic Landscape Management
Products compatible with Montgomery County, Maryland's Pesticide Law
Organic products that comply with Portland, Maine's pesticide ordinance
Active Ingredients Eligible for Minimum Risk Pesticide Products
Inert Ingredients Eligible for FIFRA 25(b) Pesticide Products
Beyond Pesticides Products Compatible With Organic Landscape Management
Products compatible with Montgomery County, Maryland's Pesticide Law
Organic products that comply with Portland, Maine's pesticide ordinance
BEST PRACTICES
NOFA Standards for Organic Land Care, 6th Edition - The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Standards are the foundation of the NOFA Accreditation course in Organic Land Care. Preferred, allowed and prohibited substances are listed. Available in Spanish.
Organic Land Care Best Management Practices Manual - A guide to recommended practices and practices to avoid when conducting effective organic land care. Includes product recommendations.
Organic Land Care Best Management Practices Manual - A guide to recommended practices and practices to avoid when conducting effective organic land care. Includes product recommendations.
DISTRIBUTORS AND WHOLESALERS
Weed Control Alternatives
Use this list to suggest alternatives to herbicides like glyphosate, glufosinate, or diquat.
MECHANICAL METHODS
Flame (propane) torches
Steam weeding
Steam with foam
Industrial Hot Water
Small Hot Water
Blended Spectrum Light
Electricity
Other methods include: pulling, smothering, string trimming, mowing & goats.
Steam weeding
Steam with foam
Industrial Hot Water
Small Hot Water
Blended Spectrum Light
Electricity
Other methods include: pulling, smothering, string trimming, mowing & goats.
ORGANIC & MINIMUM RISK CHEMICAL CONTROLS (GLYPHOSATE ALTERNATIVES)
Examples of non-selective products allowed in an organic program
AXXE organic herbicide
Finalsan BioSafe Weed Control
Weed Zap Natures Avenger
Phydura BurnOut Nature Thrive
Suppress EC H Hunter
Mirimichi Green Pro Weed Control
Horticultural Vinegar
Least Toxic Alternatives To Glyphosate
AXXE organic herbicide
Finalsan BioSafe Weed Control
Weed Zap Natures Avenger
Phydura BurnOut Nature Thrive
Suppress EC H Hunter
Mirimichi Green Pro Weed Control
Horticultural Vinegar
Least Toxic Alternatives To Glyphosate
Alternatives to Aquatic Herbicides
Organic Fertilizer
ORGANIC COMPATIBLE FERTILIZER
Specific Pest Control
Pest management products are sometimes needed in addition to exclusion, sanitation, trapping and other non-chemical measures.
grubs
rodents
mosquitoes & ticks
fire ants
Lists are for educational purposes and suggestions only, not an endorsement of a specific company, product or brand.
