Mulching and Weed Management Flashcards
benefits of mulch
weed control
moisture retention
soil temp control
improves physical, chemical, and biological properties
soil protection (from erosion, compaction, structure)
aesthetic qualities
food/habitat for soil animals
protects trunks of trees and shrubs
limitations of mulch
harbors undesirable organisms (fungi, bacteria, insects, rodents)
should not be stored too close to buildings (fire hazard)
volcano mulching happens often (buildup around trunks)
classes of mulch
loose mulch
erosion control blankets
applied mulches (hydromulches)
storage of mulch
provide adequate air flow and reduce excess moisture (slows down growth of fungus, decay, and rot)
single, double, or triple shredding refers to # of times bark was passed through grinder (smaller the grind, quicker the decomposition)
applying mulch
2-4” thick is the sweet spot
calculate by measuring the area to be mulched and determine thickness.
name 3 or more characteristics of weeds
well adapted to wide range of conditions
can self fertilize
generalist pollination
strongly competitive
deter herbivory
fast life cycle
reproduce vegetatively
produce seed in long period of time and bad conditions
annual weed lifecycle
both warm season and cool season
capable of producing multiple generations in a single season
biennial weed lifecycle
produce a basal rosette of leaves 1st year
secnod year (after vernalization), plants will flower and seed, then die
not as prolific and problematic as annuals/perennials
perennial weed lifecycle
herbaceous: simple (overwinter), or creeping (overwinter and produce new independent plants from vegetative reproduction)
woody: includes trees and shrubs
invasive weeds
nonindigenous plants
have the potential to invade agricultural and natural areas causing serious damage to Canada’s economy and human health
Invasive species are accidentally or deliberately introduced to an area that is outside their native range
noxious weeds
designated as harmful/injurious to agricultural crops and livestock
nuisance weeds
either indigenous or non-indigenous plants
plants that are neither designated as noxious weeds by a governing authority but are undesirable and or considered a nuisance either due to aggressive characteristics that are undesirable in the landscape for any number of reasons
sceondary effects of weeds
allelopathy
harbours pests
secondary hosts for disease
competition for light, nutrients, and water
physically affecting growth of desired plants
contamination of agriculture plants
parasitizing plants
go review invasives/weeds in level 1 and 2
have you done it yet?
seeds of weeds
prolific seeders
heavy seed bank
soil disturbance liberates seed bank
staggered germination
efficient dispersal strategies
survive harsh conditions
long lived
light required
