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What
is a weed?
The best way to describe a weed is 'a plant growing
in the wrong place'. Weeds are plants that are
unwanted in designated locations and that may
be harmful, dangerous or economically detrimental.
Weeds can be divided into three groups:
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Declared
Noxious Weeds |
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Environmental
Weeds |
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Agricultural
Weeds |
A
Declared Noxious Weed
is a plant that has been identified in legislation
(an Act of Parliament). It is a legal requirement
that these weeds be eradicated or controlled.
Within this weed group there are four different
categories based on the following criteria:
1. The level of threat the weed has for agriculture,
the environment, recreation values and activities,
and community health.
2. Benefits to the community as a result of control
of the weed.
3. Availability of a practical means of treatment
and control.
4. Active community support for management of
the weed.
Environmental
Weeds are plants that threaten natural
ecosystems. When these weeds spread into native
plant communities there can be a reduction of
plant diversity and a loss of habitat for native
animals.
Agricultural
Weeds threaten crops, horticulture
and pasture production and may also be declared
noxious weeds.
How
weeds spread
Weeds are spread in many different ways depending
on the type of plant: some ways that weeds can
be spread: in seed purchased for sowing pastures
or crops; stock feed; movement of stock; machinery
use; soil disturbance; humans; birds and animals;
garden escapees; water and wind; explosive ejection
(when seed pods burst open, seeds can travel up
to 5 metres) and vegetative.
Once we know how a weed spreads, preventative
measures can be taken to reduce the spread and
the effect on the environment and agriculture.
Refer to www.dse.vic.gov.au
- Click on search and type in 'how weeds spread'.
How
to control weeds
Weeds can be managed using many different methods.
The selected methods depend on the species of
plants and their biological characteristics. The
most effective management is usually achieved
by a combination of various methods together with
a thorough follow-up campaign, including education.
To control a weed, it must be correctly identified
first.
Refer to www.dse.vic.gov.au
- Click on search and type in 'how to manage weeds'.
Resources
Useful Websites:
»
www.dse.vic.gov.au
click on search and type in 'how to manage weeds'
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http://www.weeds.org.au/
Books:
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Jeannie Baker - The Story of Rosy Dock,
Random House 1995.
»
Catchment Education Resource Book (1998) Department
of Natural Resources and Environment
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Our Land - Landcare Activities for Upper Primary
- National Soil Conservation Program
next»
Learn
more about weeds with the Find-a-Word
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