| < Back | page 8 of 12 |
Next > |
Submodule 1: What are invasive weeds?
Range Conditions That Contribute to a Plant's Invasiveness
There are a number of conditions that are thought to increase the chances that plant infestations will occur. Below is a list of some of these conditions:
- Land disturbed by fire, flood, and human activities such as removing vegetation and land forms for construction of buildings and golf courses, overgrazing, etc. Disturbed land generally has plants uprooted and removed, soil exposed, or plant canopies disrupted. Disturbances can also occur on a small scale when animals burrow into the soil or graze on plant biomass.
- Fertilizers and pesticides added to soil and surrounding water sources.
- Decreased biodiversity
- Moderately moist environments appear to be more susceptible to invasion than those that are very arid or very wet.
- Areas with newly established vegetation
- Ecosystems that are recovering slowly from previous disturbances.
- Riparian areas, and other areas that have rich soils and an abundant, regular supply of moisture.
Even with the existence of these conditions, infestation by invasive plants is not imminent. In addition, some plants that were invasive in one environment under certain conditions may not be invasive in another environment under similar conditions.
Star Thistle (photo courtesy Larry Howery)
| < Back | page 8 of 12 |
Next > |