Weeds and Weed Management
Weed: A plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth; especially one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants – Merriam Webster
Weeds interfere with a variety of human activities and natural ecosystems, and many methods have been developed and deployed to suppress or eliminate these undesirable, out-of-place plants. Weeds affect the growth of plants surrounding them by competing for nutrients, soil, water, and space. When left unchecked, invasive weeds will overrun plants and can quickly diminish and prevent common grasses from growing and reaching optimal health.
Some weeds are tough to eradicate, making physical removal nearly impossible, particularly in large landscapes. If left uncontrolled, weeds may become hosts for pests such as nematodes, or act as reservoirs for destructive plant pathogens and viruses.
Universities and agricultural colleges teach courses in weed control, and work with industry to provide the necessary technologies and tools to manage them. In agriculture, weed control is essential for maintaining high levels of crop production. The United States Department of Agriculture has estimated the average annual loss nationally due to weeds at $5 billion; the greatest single monetary loss, after soil erosion, facing agriculture today.