R2103 2.1 Explain why weeds need to be controlled

Question 1

What is a weed

Answer 1

A wild plant growing where it is not wanted

A plant that interferes with the management objectives for a given area of land at a given point in time

Question 2

Problems caused by weeds (8)

Answer 2

1. Reduction of crop productivity. Competition between weed and plant for water, nutrients and light
2. Ephemeral weeds such as Cardamine hirsuta and Senecio vulgaris may be introduced into soil by poor quality composts or farmyard manure
3. Uncontrol growth of weeds may lead to serious plant losses
4. Reduced visual appeal in the garden
5. Weed can interfere with harvesting
6. Weed may be poisonous to livestock (hay contaminated with ragwort) and people (nightshade berries)
7. Weeds may harbour pests and diseases such as white blister rust which effects brassicas. Some weeds in the Brassicaceae family harbour club root which can be passed on to brassica crops
8. Drainage - couch grass and chickweed etc can block field ditches causing water logging and flooding