Metacultures – Buckwheat, a natural enemy of weeds and pests

Buckwheat is a spring crop of the Lapad family (Polygonaceae spp.). Its cultivation began 6000 years ago in India. It is also called black wheat, and its grain is mostly used in the food industry. Buckwheat is an extremely fast-growing plant, and its flowering can begin about three weeks after germination and reach maturity in less than 90 days.

Buckwheat is characterized by various advantages that make it a suitable choice for roofing. Its intensive growth suffocates a wide range of cereal and deciduous weeds, and early and prolonged flowering attracts many pollinators, which makes buckwheat suitable for the biological control of pests. Another significant advantage is its resistance to disease. It is a reliable tool in any strategy to reduce pathogenic pressure on the field.

Buckwheat grows favourably even in poor soils. It is tolerant in both strongly acidic and carbonate soils. A minimum amount of moisture is needed to provoke germination, and moderately high temperatures will ensure the successful development of buckwheat.