Weed management in organic farming presents a significant challenge due to the prohibition of synthetic herbicides. Effective weed control in organic systems relies on an integrated approach that combines cultural, mechanical, biological, and ecological strategies to suppress weed growth while maintaining soil health and biodiversity. This review explores various organic weed management techniques, including preventive measures such as crop rotation, cover cropping, mulching, and intercropping, which create unfavorable conditions for weed establishment. Mechanical tools, such as flame weeding and tillage equipment, provide direct weed control, while biological methods, including allelopathy and the use of biocontrol agents, offer natural suppression mechanisms. Allelopathic interactions between crops and weeds can be leveraged through the strategic use of cover crops, smother crops, and green manures. Beneficial organisms, such as insects, fungi, and bacteria, have demonstrated success in controlling specific weed species, with ongoing research focusing on the development of mycoherbicides. The use of approved organic herbicides, like corn gluten meal, and the application of Integrated Weed Management (IWM) principles further enhance the effectiveness of organic weed control. By adopting a holistic, site-specific approach that optimizes multiple strategies, organic farmers can effectively manage weeds while promoting sustainable crop production and enhancing agroecosystem resilience. Future research should focus on refining weed management techniques, improving the efficacy of biological control agents, and developing innovative, eco-friendly solutions to support the growth of organic agriculture.
