An interministerial decree of January 15, 2021 supplemented the Labbé law which, since 2017, has prohibited chemical phytosanitary products on roads, green spaces and walking areas: on July 1, their use will also be prohibited in private properties. , places frequented by the public and in places for collective use. It is also impossible to buy it to weed your terrace or driveway: since 2019, the law applies to individuals who, moreover, no longer find these products in self-service.
Adapt to changing legislation
Suffice to say that apart from conventional agriculture, they are no longer authorized anywhere… And this is rather good news, because a recent report by Inrae and Ifremer confirms the reality of environmental contamination. by pesticides and their negative impact on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Certain types of products nevertheless remain authorized: those of biocontrol and those accepted in organic farming. These products are of natural origin, such as Bordeaux mixture, pelargonic acid or acetic acid (the famous white vinegar).
Go in the direction of history
Finally, this extension of the Labbé law goes in the direction of history. Fredon, an organization responsible in particular for preserving the health status of plants and natural heritage in the public interest, confirms: “These regulations are very strict, indicates Florian Lucas, environmental adviser at Fredon Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The idea was for communities to lead by example and prove that it is possible to do things differently and better. It’s on the right track. There has been a real change of mentality in recent years. And even if it depends on the territories, Puy-de-Dôme is rather a good student in this area. »
A change of method
For local authorities, this necessarily implies a change of method. In particular for the maintenance of cemeteries or stadiums. Fortunately, many have anticipated the deadline and have changed their practice to move towards zero phyto. Supported by Fredon, certain municipalities, such as Châteldon, Orcet or Pérignat-sur-Allier have been certified since 2014.
We offer technical support, advice to professionals and training, adds Florian Lucas. And there are alternatives to chemicals.
More herbs in graveyards
Grassing remains one of the preferred methods, especially in cemeteries or on large sidewalks: not only does it eliminate phytos, but it can also respond to the problems of soil erosion and create islands of coolness. However, it is often impossible to leave grass everywhere: depending on the topography of the place, the solution lies in a mix. With for example a covering of the main driveway and grass for the secondary driveways.
Another possible method: thermal weeding. But it is still preferable to use it on restricted areas.
Finally, there is elbow grease and mechanical weeding: often with a harrow that cuts the plant, picks it up and levels the ground. Some municipal agents, as in Artonne, have themselves tinkered with their own equipment.
Elbow grease is not dangerous for nature
For sports fields, this mechanical weeding is essential. At least as much as the anticipation: “Previously, the municipalities mainly did curative work with selective weedkillers and fungicides. However, it is important to be one step ahead of weeds and moulds. By relining the lawn regularly, for example. Grasses live for 3 or 4 years and if they are not replanted, the lawn thins out and other species come to colonize it. Against fungi and mosses, the ground must be aerated, cored and sanded. It should not be watered too much and maintain a certain mowing height. This anticipation requires good training for municipal agents and elected officials. »
Find all our articles related to the environment
More generally, faced with this subject, the sinews of war remains communication: “Weeds do not exist. People have to get used to seeing green in the streets or at the foot of a wall. »
Fabrice Mina
All these places where phytos will be banned
From July 1, 2022, new places and establishments will be affected by the ban on the use of synthetic chemical phytosanitary products.
Starting with your home because private residential properties are indeed part of the list. It is also the last straight line for cemeteries and columbariums; for access roads, rest areas and green spaces in workplaces; for hotels, collective hostels, campsites, residential and leisure parks; for collective use areas of educational establishments; for nursing homes and health establishments; for crèches, drop-in centres, homes for childminders; for social and medico-social establishments; for areas around shops accessible to the public; for amusement parks; for home gardens; for airfields.
It should be noted that sports grounds will also not be able to use chemical phytosanitary products, with the exception of those which benefit from a derogation until January 1, 2025, namely large playgrounds, racetracks , golf courses and… lawn tennis courts.
Certain products allowed. Subject to presenting an individual Certiphyto certificate for their purchase and use, certain types of products can still be used on all sites. These are biocontrol products, qualified low-risk products and products authorized for organic farming (excluding agricultural land).
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Weeding – Puy-de-Dôme communities adapt to eliminate phytosanitary products
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