Is Integrated Weed Management (IWM) the future for weed control?

Do we need IWM?

Protecting the environment will be a part of every strategy now and in the long run. If there was ever a more important time to look at alternative solutions to commercial issues, that time is now! In fact the growing threat of invasive species is said to be the second largest risk to biodiversity after habitat destruction. They need to be controlled, or we will continue to lose native species.

Biodiversity means protecting native species from non-native invasives that are out-competing them. As mentioned in David Attenborough’s new series ‘Wild Isles’; “Nearly half of British wildlife species have declined since 1970” and the recent BBC headline “Native UK plants in catastrophic decline, major report finds” both are testament to the importance of acting now.

A few facts:

1. As temperatures or water levels change, native species may struggle to compete. Human and animal migration can result in the increased spread and introduction of new invasive species. The human movement of INNS beyond their historical geographic range has resulted in environmental, social, and economic damage.
2. Anyone interacting or working with the environment will be at risk of unintentionally spreading INNS, and could lead to issues with biodiversity.
3. Without regular control measures in place, invasive weeds, both on land and water will change and deplete the habitat’s natural resources, creating difficulties for natural wildlife and livestock.
4. When working onsite it is vital to consider potential pathways of introductions onto the site from elsewhere, and implement biosecurity procedures to prevent spread.
5. Planting hedgerows or creating natural barriers helps to control spread of invasive species whilst increasing natural habitats.
6. Using living species to control invasive or aquatic weeds (biological control) will become more prevalent, and more important.

What impact does this have on business?

• New government directives mean Local Authorities should evidence an amenity weed management strategy that is environmentally sustainable
• Property and facilities management companies need landscaping solutions that are easy on the eye and on the budget
• The next generation of home buyers will expect to see a legacy of improvement when it comes to keeping their environment weed free
• Commercial businesses seek options that meet their biodiversity goals

How can IWM help?

IWM is probably most important to consider for amenity weed control. Adopting alternative weed control methods provides lots of benefits such as:

• Minimised chemical usage with targeted herbicide treatment – working with Local Authorities to integrate ‘sweeping’ regimes with herbicide applications.
• Reduced risks associated with herbicide use such as storage, handling, use and disposal.
• Safe and effective management of public open spaces and green spaces on estates
• Reduced reliance on mowing regimes by creating wildflower meadows on roadside verges

But IWM can be beneficial for commercial businesses, private landowners facilities companies. It is equally important to constantly review an IWM strategy to ensure it provides better solutions whilst protecting both the environment and public safety. This is particularly important in amenity weed management as it will help local authorities to plan their 2023 public highways strategy. Options may include (where suitable) wildflower meadow verges to reduce mowing cycles, as well as looking at land rejuvenation to make good areas that have been excavated.

Are there any downsides to IWM?

On the whole – no, but maybe a few considerations, such as when planting wildflower verges the seed mix needs to be carefully chosen so as not to plant dominant varieties that will out-compete the others, and die back can be a little scruffy for a short period of time.

Amenity weed control comes with a degree of expectations – some areas may be more weedy than in previous years due to the alternative method used, but with the right communication to stakeholders and members of the public this generally is not an issue.

Some alternative methods such as biological control may take longer to implement but will have better long-term results.

Common ragwort can often be identified by the presence of Cinnabar moth caterpillars (Tyria jacobaeae), as these caterpillars feed almost exclusively on Ragwort. The caterpillars are very distinctive with black with gold stripes, and grow up to 30mm long. (see photo above) 

Conclusion

IWM provides tangible benefits to businesses, helping them reduce their environmental impact by lowering their carbon footprint and enabling a sustainable strategy for weed control. There can be cost benefits too, with fewer yearly treatments and obvious environmental benefits with less chemical usage.

Adopting IWM into a business plan requires a solid strategy and the best advice for experts in IWM.

Jennifer Holmes, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Japanese Knotweed Ltd