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Sustainable Management for Perennial Weeds -- 2008
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 and other input, this project was 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.
In 2008, seven farmers were chosen to participate in the project in the project -- five in Illinois, one in Wisconsin, and one in Missouri. The participating farmers were chosen through a mini-grant program developed specifically for this project. In 2009 we will be looking for a total of 20 participating farmers.
Click below to view the results from the 2008 participating farmers.
Dennis Norton, Royal Oak Farm, Harvard, IL -- Quackgrass and thistle control on a sustainable fruit and vegetable farm.
Greg & Janet Morse, Putnam, IL -- Canada thistle control on a diversified organic grain operation.
Dela & Tony Ends, Scotch Hill Farm, Brodhead, WI -- Quackgrass control in a chemical-free fruit and vegetable farm.
Teresa Starks, Williamsville, IL -- Canada thistle control in achemical-free fruit and vegetable farm.
Todd & Julia McDonald, Manteno, IL -- Perennial weed control on a chemical-free fruit and vegetable farm.
Tony Hulls, Carthage, IL -- Bull thistle control in an organic crops and livestock operation.
Margie Anglen, Miller Stock Farm, Paris, MO -- Perennial weed control in a chemical-free integrated crops and livestock operation.
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