Document Actions
Sustainable Management for Perennial Weeds -- 2009
A NCR-SARE funded project from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of ACES
Perennial weeds, such as Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) or field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), threaten the sustainability of farms in the Midwest. They can establish from seed or extensive, deep creeping roots, and are vigorous and very competitive against annual crops. Based on farmer input and university research, this project is designed to develop and disseminate information on Canada thistle management for use on sustainable and organic farms. In the short and intermediate term, it is hoped, this project will increase farmer knowledge and awareness and improve farmer's skills in managing perennial weeds using integrated management approaches.
The project objectives are to: 1) expand a farmer-based research and co-learning network; 2) develop effective and sustainable systems for perennial weed management; and 3) disseminate information and foster farmer adoption of site-specific sustainable best management practices. This project seeks to integrate tillage, mowing, cover crops, decision-making tools, and biocontrol approaches applied on a site-specific basis. The project is conducted on sustainable and organic farms in Illinois and surrounding states.
For a good list of on-line resources related to Canada thistle biology and control, click HERE.
See how the 2008 mini-grants turned out. Seven farmers from Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri participated.
In 2009, 16 farmers were chosen to participate in the project -- 15 in Illinois, one in Wisconsin. The participating farmers were chosen through a mini-grant program developed specifically for this project. Check this site for progress reports as farmers begin testing sustainable weed management practices on their farms.
Dave Bishop, Atlanta, IL
Joni Bucher, Marietta, IL
Nancy Erickson, Steward, IL
Alan Fennell, Sterling, IL
Andrea Hazzard, Pecatonica, IL
Nancy Homerding, Forrest, IL
Tony Hulls, Carthage, IL
Thomas & Janet Jablonski, Blackstone, IL
Brad Long, Saybrook, IL
Todd and Julie McDonald, Manteno, IL
Greg & Janet Morse, Putnam, IL
Dennis & Paul Norton, Harvard, IL
Caren Trudeau, Cantral, IL
Drew & Jessie Turney, Montello, WI
Lucas Zippe, Aledo, IL
Ryan Butzow, Onarga, IL
Click here to see a map showing where all cooperators are located in the region.
C and N Fluxes from Agroecosystems: Do We Know Enough to Offset Emissions?
NRDC call for nominations: growing green award
Forgot your password?