For a comprehensive look at the strategy in B.C. for trying to stop the spread of invasive species-particularly plant species- one need only to go to the website for the Invasive Species Council of BC. I commend it.
In this article, I will profess only some knowledge but rather some years of experience with a few invasives: Oxeye Daisy, Orange Hawkweed, Burdock and Canada thistle.
Ironically, these very weeds many of us on the land want to get rid of, are quite nutritious and high in food value for animals that we keep.
Google defines a weed as:
“Any wild plant that grows in an unwanted place, especially in a garden or field where it prevents the cultivated plants from growing freely.”
Agriculturalists are busy developing tools to surgically remove weeds from fields to stop contaminating crops, stop the spread of the seeds, and reduce the seed bank in the location they are growing.
One example of a tool is the drone, which is being tested for its ability to identify and spray individual plants. The same technology is being used to seed and fertilize crops with specific applications to varying soil types.
As land managers and as wandering citizens (out for walks) we all have a role to play if we can learn and focus on this challenge of reducing the spread and in some cases eradicating these invasives.
It should be relatively easy for areas of concentrated populations such as villages and cities, to pull weeds to stop the loading of seeds on the ground. If they are recognized and identified by cell phone users who can use an “Ap” to identify individual plants, then responsible citizens and municipal employees should be able to eradicate populations of invasives when they get started.
Once treated, these plants require follow up monitoring in subsequent growing seasons.
What is more difficult, is the larger private land base and extensive public lands which require a more organized and vigilant effort.
Public and private businesses need to remember that if they disturb the land for fence lines, roadways, gravel pits and installations such as hydro substations, that they bear responsibly for creating habitat for easy germination. Users of these sites can easily and unknowingly spread seeds to other areas.
Cattle and horses can spread seeds by grazing plants and defecating.
Several ranches I know have successfully reduced the spread of Orange Hawkweed, Oxeye Daisy and Burdock by concentrating grazing livestock for short intense periods in May and June.
The presence of weeds may indicate deficiencies in soil nutrients e.g. Sulphur. If these nutrients are corrected it may significantly reduce the weed population.
Large scale corrections via amendments may be prohibitively expensive though.
I know the Invasive Species Council of BC has been doing a tremendous job and interested persons can easily go to their website and read up on efforts underway.
I also know how disheartening it can be to treat areas only to see the population of invasives persist. I can encourage public agencies, civil society groups and private individuals to double down on their efforts. That is what we have to do on our ranch.
