Organic Invasive Species Control

Invasive control should incorporate up-to-date research findings for pesticide applications and foster new research for alternatives (as well as funding). Not the least, invasive control should better incorporate well-planned, researched, biological and cultural controls, many of which the Organic Land Care Standards permit.

It is widely agreed upon that the most effective “control” of invasive plants combines three methods: biological, cultural and chemical (including organically approved pesticides). Interestingly, Chemical applications are frequently the only method used. There is justification for limited pesticide use (again, including organically approved pesticides), especially in areas where the physical safety of the controllers, or the public, is compromised (e.g. railroad ballasts, some slopes or roadsides), but this argument does not explain the reliance on the Chemical only approach nor the need for continued research into alternative options.

Invasive control should incorporate up-to-date research findings for pesticide applications and foster new research for alternatives (as well as funding). Not the least, invasive control should better incorporate well-planned, researched, biological and cultural controls, many of which the Organic Land Care Standards permit.

There is a need to shift from the sporadic control of invasive plants to managing sites properly. What measures can be taken to prevent new invasions? Are ground covers such as mulches and native/appropriate plant species being used to fill the space left open by the removal of invasives? Are a variety of controls being used? Is data (beyond project costs) being collected, analyzed and utilized for better land management?

Food for thought.