what is weed control
Weed control refers to managing and reducing unwanted weed plants in agricultural areas, gardens, lawns and landscaped areas. The main types of weed control methods are:
- Mechanical control – This involves removing weeds by hand pulling, hoeing, tilling or use of cultivators. It is effective but time-consuming.
- Mulching – Laying various mulch types (bark, wood chips, fabric etc.) suppresses weeds by blocking sunlight to seeds and seedlings. Landscape fabric is a popular option.
- Burning – For some agricultural weeds, controlled burning of fields pre-planting can kill weed seeds on the surface. However, it has environmental impacts.
- Smother crops – Fast-growing plants that form a dense canopy are planted to choke out weeds competing for water, nutrients and sunlight.
- Herbicides – Chemical weedkillers are widely used both non-selectively on all plants or selectively targeting specific weed types. Application needs care.
- Biological – Control uses natural predators, pathogens or insects that only affect weed species, leaving crops unharmed. It requires research.
- Grazing – Using animal herds like goats or cattle that selectively feed on weed species can provide natural control.
- Crop rotation – Varying crop types in fields prevents weeds from building up resistance to any one control method over time.
Proper identification of weed types aids selection of an integrated weed management approach suited to each situation. Ongoing control is needed.
