Use of Copper in Organic Agriculture and Calculation of Elemental Copper per Hectare
- Introduction
In organic farming, the inputs available for combating diseases and pests are quite limited. Therefore, copper derivatives stand out as one of the most important protective agents against fungal diseases, especially in viticulture, fruit growing, and vegetable production. However, since copper is an element with a high potential for accumulation in the soil, it poses environmental risks. For this reason, both the European Union (EU), Turkish, and the United States Regulations strictly regulate the use of copper.
- Which Copper Derivatives Are Allowed?
(EU) Organic Farming Regulation 2018/848 Annex I.4. (10E): Copper hydroxide, Copper oxychloride, Copper oxide, Bordeaux mixture, Tribasic copper sulfate.
Regulation on the Principles and Implementation of Organic Farming No. 27676 (Türkiye) Annex II.3: Copper compounds in the forms of copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, tribasic copper sulfate, copper oxide, Bordeaux mixture.
US National Organic Program (NOP) § 205.601: Copper sulfate, copper oxychloride, copper oxide, and copper hydroxide derivatives are allowed in a limited way. However, it is required that applications be made “in a way that prevents environmental accumulation.”
- Maximum Allowed Copper Amounts per Hectare
EU (2018/848) Annex I.4. (10E): According to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011, only applications that result in a maximum of 28 kg copper per hectare over a period of 7 years are permitted.
Türkiye (Regulation No. 27676) Annex II.3: Maximum 6 kg/ha/year copper. Provided that the average usage amount over a 5-year period does not exceed 6 kg, for perennial crops it is possible to exceed 6 kg/ha/year copper. The calculation for the 5-year average begins from the year the 6 kg limit is exceeded.
USA (NOP): No specific annual kg limit is stated; however, it is required that copper be used at the minimum level and in a way that prevents accumulation in the soil.
- Issues to Consider in the Use of Copper
If, after trying cultural measures, the use of a fungicide is still necessary, when you decide to use copper you can select the copper preparation using the Plant Protection Products Database (BKÜ). In addition, it will be beneficial to review our article titled Plant Protection Rules.
The most important issue to consider is this: Before using the selected copper preparation, always obtain approval from the control and certification body you work with.
- Sample Calculation Scenario
Let’s assume we have a Copper Sulfate preparation (brand XXXX) containing copper equivalent to 20% metallic copper.
Amount used: 3 packages of 5 kg = 15 kg preparation
Total area: 25 decares vineyard (2.5 hectares)
Calculation:
15 kg preparation × 20% = 3 kg elemental copper
Since the total area is 2.5 ha:
3 kg / 2.5 ha = 1.2 kg/ha elemental copper
Result: With this application, the amount of elemental copper per hectare is 1.2 kg/ha. This amount complies with EU and Turkish Regulations.
- Situation in Other Standards
KRAV (Sweden): The KRAV standard very clearly prohibits the use of copper as a plant protection product.
Bio Suisse (Switzerland): The use of copper is prohibited in field crops except potatoes.
Regarding copper preparations, the maximum allowable application amounts of elemental copper per hectare and per year are as follows:
- Pome fruits (apple, pear, etc.): 1.5 kg
(If applied together with fire blight control strategies, it can go up to 4 kg) - Soft fruits (strawberry, blackberry, etc.): 2 kg
- Stone fruits (peach, apricot, etc.): 3 kg
- Viticulture: Average of 3 kg across the total vineyard area.
For individual parcels, maximum 4 kg.
These amounts may be balanced within a five-year period.
Amounts exceeding 4 kg per hectare and per year must be reported to the certification body. - For all other special crops and potatoes: the maximum amount permitted according to Swiss OFO (4 kg) applies.
Demeter (Biodynamic Farming): Copper may be used when necessary; however, over a seven-year period, the average amount used should not exceed 3 kg per hectare per year. Preferably, a single application should not exceed 500 g per hectare. In viticulture and hop-growing regions with high fungal disease pressure, the relevant certification body may grant an exemption allowing up to an average of 4 kg per hectare per year over a seven-year period. This exemption applies only to grapes and hops.
Naturland (Germany): According to Annex 2.4: Copper compounds70 (maximum 3 kg Cu/ha/year, also for potatoes; for hops maximum 4 kg Cu/ha/year)*
- The detailed provisions of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and subsequent amended legislation shall apply.