What’s the difference between organic and conventional growing methods for Rhodiola rosea?

In short – pesticides and fertilizers.  All inputs for organic farming must be from approved organic sources.  From mulches to potting soil – it all has to be organic. 

I have been working in a lovely organic field this spring, and the size of the Rhodiola is amazing.  The rows of blooming Rhodiola are speckled with blooming dandelions and a variety of weeds, not to mention a few trees.  The field looks healthy and is a vibrant community of diversity.

Weeds like organic farming, too, and that can be challenging, especially for a five-year crop like Rhodiola.  Methods for weeding include cultivation, flaming, mulching and dropping down on your hands and knees with a trusty digger.  I personally thought alpacas would work.  They seemed to prefer dandelions over Rhodiola, but now they nibble the Rhodiola stems and leaves and some of the crown, too!  We keep looking for better ways to control weeds.  Maybe robotic weeders will someday save my back!

For conventional Rhodiola rosea, the inputs are limited, too.  There are no herbicides currently registered for Rhodiola rosea.  That means the conventional farmers are limited to spraying in the paths between the rows.  Over the next few months, though, these limitations will change.  With the introduction of approved herbicides, it is hoped that the conventional Rhodiola rosea will produce higher yields in shorter time.  One other key component is in processing.  Processing rates are higher when there are fewer weeds to remove.

Other than removal of herbicides from our diet, are there other advantages for organic Rhodiola rosea?  Possibly.  ARRGO has noted over the last two years that the beneficial compounds in organic Rhodiola are relatively higher or more concentrated than those in conventional Rhodiola.  Why?  Possibly since the organic Rhodiola has to compete with invasive weeds, its defense mechanism may be to increase its levels of rosavins and salidroside.  Our customers who buy organic like to see weeds in our fields for this reason!  Whew!  That means we don’t have to be so embarrassed by our plant menageries, until the county weed inspector gives us a call!