Integrated Weed Management - The Book

Integrated Weed Management: “One Year’s Seeding” is the name of a new publication from Michigan State University Extension. Written by Dale Mutch and Karen Renner, this 112 page book is available for $10 US. IWM has been around for the past 20 years as a name for many of the management tools of how to manage weeds effectively. A good understanding of weeds can save you money on herbicides and increase your yields.

Some ideas from the book:

• “Successful weed management is achieved by managing weeds at each stage in their life”
• Chart showing the number of weeds seeds per plant for 20 species of broadleaf weeds. Pigweed and lamb’s-quarters are among the top annuals.
• Chart showing how long weed seeds last in soil. Lamb’s-quarters and velvetleaf last the longest.
• Using Growing Degree Days to predict emergence of some weed species.
• Injecting manure will increase the ability of crops to compete with weeds.
• Ensiling will kill most weed seeds within 4 weeks. Digestion (in a cow) and storage in manure can reduce weed seed viability but many weed seeds survive. Composting manure for 3 days at 130°F kills most weed seeds.
• Factors influencing a crop’s critical weed free period
• Information on mechanical weed control and various implements
• Biological weed management.
• “Prevention is a critical component of weed management in all cropping systems”
• The “dirty dozen” profiles of common weeds

This book is a must for farmers who want to be in control of their weeds. There are many ideas for organic and conventional farmers alike. It is part of a series from MSUE – Michigan Field Crop Ecology and Management and Michigan Field Crop Pest Ecology and Management. All are excellent books and available from MSUE.

Related Links:

• Michigan State University Extension

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