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Submodule 8: How Invasive Plants Are Controlled

Integrated Weed Management

Because the weed problem is so pervasive, and because there are so many options available for controlling weeds, it critical to come up with an integrated plan when you are faced with a weed infestation. Integrated weed management (IWM) is a multifaceted, coordinated plan for fighting weeds that combines several control options to achieve one outcome.

 

One researcher defined IWM like this:

“[IWM is] A decision support system for the selection and use of pest control tactics singly or harmoniously coordinated into a management strategy, based upon cost-benefit analysis that take into account the interests of and impacts on producers, society, and the environment.”

Another researcher explained the goal of IWM in this way:

“The goal of IWM will be to maintain or develop ecologically healthy plant communities that are relatively weed-resistant, while meeting other land-use objectives such as forage production, wildlife habitat development, or recreational land maintenance.”

There are several factors to be considered when creating an IWM plan including:

• The characteristics of the target weed, such as its life cycle and method of reproduction
• The characteristics of your site and its environmental factors such as soil type, rainfall pattern, native plant community, wildlife and other grazing animals
• Long- and short-term goals for the infestation site
• Methods of weed control available for your target weed in your particular location, including consideration of location, state and federal weed laws
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Available resources and man-power
• Previous weed control efforts at this site
• Methods for keeping detailed records of your management goals and efforts

Many weed professionals think the only way to appropriately handle a weed infestation is with an integrated approach.

 

 

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