Livestock Grazing (Sheep and Goats) as a Sustainable Weed Management Strategy in Organic Mulberry (Morus spp.) Gardens: A Review

Weed infestation is a major constraint in mulberry (Morus spp.) cultivation, as weeds compete with mulberry plants for nutrients, water, light, and space, resulting in reduced leaf yield and quality. Effective weed management is therefore essential for sustaining productivity in sericulture-based farming systems. In organic mulberry gardens, the use of chemical herbicides is restricted, creating the need for eco-friendly and sustainable weed management strategies. Livestock grazing, particularly using sheep and goats, has emerged as a promising biological approach for integrated weed control in agricultural systems. Sheep generally graze on grasses and herbaceous weeds, while goats prefer broadleaf weeds and shrubs, making their combined use effective in controlling diverse weed flora. Controlled grazing in mulberry gardens can significantly reduce weed biomass, suppress weed seed production, and lower labor requirements associated with manual weeding. In addition to weed suppression, livestock grazing contributes to nutrient recycling through manure and urine deposition, thereby improving soil fertility and enhancing the sustainability of the production system. Studies have indicated that integrating livestock grazing into crop production systems can reduce weed density and improve overall farm productivity while minimizing reliance on chemical inputs. However, proper grazing management, including stocking density, grazing duration, and protection of mulberry plants, is necessary to avoid potential damage to the crop. This review highlights the role of sheep and goat grazing as an ecological and cost-effective component of integrated weed management in organic mulberry gardens. The adoption of this approach can support sustainable sericulture by reducing weed control costs, improving soil health, and promoting integrated farming systems.