Seed
and reseeding is a good method to control weeds. It is very
important
after the soil has been disturbed. You should plant plants
that are desirable and/or native, and those that will not let weeds in. Plant as soon as
possible after disturbance and follow up with proper care and
management.
However,
before you reseed
evaluate the noxious weeds on the site. Taking a little extra time to
address the weeds on the property, will increase the
chance of success your
seeding has at establishing.
Remember,
the seeds needs nutrients and moisture
to begin to grow. Weeds
that
already have a root
system
will be better able to use the nutrients and
moisture, making them
unavailable for the seed.
Maintaining
good vegetation is important to the
health of a site. Good plant growth can suppress
noxious weeds as well as make
it difficult for some
weeds
to establish, resulting in an easier job for
you.
When grazing a site, frequently the 50% rule
is discussed. In other words take half, leave half. Studies conducted
in the
1980’s indicate
that ranchers should leave closer to
60% of the above ground
vegetation to prevent the need for reseeding. The issue is that
as
more above ground vegetation is removed, the roots
are impacted and begin to
take up less space in the
soil
profile. As the above ground forage is reduced,
sun light is able to reach
more of the soil, allowing weeds to sprout. As sun
light
is able to reach the soil surface and there are
no roots growing in the soil
in that area, noxious
weeds
have an easier time of establishing. Top growth
removal also impacts how well
the roots grow. For
example
if 90% of the top growth is taken, the roots
stopped growing for 18 days.
Whereas, with 40 – 50% of
top
growth removal, the roots were not impacted and
continue to grow. This is why
it is so important to
manage
the vegetation in your pasture, implement
rotational grazing practices
and reseed areas that have been depleted.
Common sense: Do not over graze or disturb a site! If you do,
revegetate properly asap!
Bibliography:
Breitenfeldt, Todd. High School Biology Teacher, Whitehall High,
Whitehall, MT 59759. 406-287-3862. Personal Interview. 2/4/08.
Weld County Weed Division. "Vegetation
Maintenance."
Weld County Weed Division.
2007. Weld County. 2/12/08 [
http://www.co.weld.co.us/departments/weed_pest/reseeding.html].