Prevention
This involves not allowing noxious weeds to become established. It can be the most effective, economical, and desired weed control practice. Prevention involves:
- Use of certified seed
- Weed seed-free hay
- Clean gravel, soil, and fill dirt
- Maintaining fence rows
- Irrigation ditches
- Washing vehicles
- Avoiding overgrazing
- Reseeding disturbed soil
Education
This includes holding training for groups of landowners, realtors, cooperative agencies, homeowners associations, 4-H groups, and anyone else interested in learning about weeds and control methods.
Mapping
Mapping is an important tool in IWM.
Cultural
A combination of practices such as rotating crops, disrupting weed life cycles, planting competitive crops, mulching, burning, and grazing.
Mechanical
This involves using methods to physically remove target weeds including:
- Cultivation
- Hoeing
- Hand pulling
- Mowing
Biological
This method utilized the introduction of species-specific natural enemies of a particular weed species. It can include insects, fungi, and diseases that attack the target weed while not affecting desirable species. Effective biocontrol depends on the use of several insects that attack different plant parts.
Chemical
The use of herbicides to control noxious weeds. Chemical control is the most commonly used method of weed control. Check with the Lake County Weed District for chemical recommendations. Remember to make sure to read the entire label before spraying.