As a farmer, you know the value in planting quality native seed, but what about the environmental impacts of invasive seed species on your land?
Invasive species are non-native plants that can pose serious environmental threats to your land and surrounding areas. They are commonly referred to as noxious weeds, and while they may seem harmless at a glance, that’s not often the case.
So, why are these species successful? Invasive plant species produce a high amount of seeds and are easily spread by birds, wind, and humans.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, invasive seed species are one of the four main threats to the Nation's Forests and Grasslands.
One of the biggest environmental impacts of noxious weeds is that they directly compete with native plants for water, sunlight, and nutrients. The aggressive spread of invasive plants can also take away habitats of surrounding pollinators and wildlife, including their food, coverage, and water quality.
These non-native plants have been the cause of the decline in several endangered plant species and can lead to soil erosion and poor soil quality.
Fortunately, there are a handful of things you can do to reduce the spread of invasive seeds. To start, you should always refrain from picking and taking home flowers from noxious weeds or plants that you can’t identify. For farmers, it’s good practice to drive only on established roads and avoid weed infested areas.
One method of protecting land and reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is carbon sequestration. This is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, to slow or reverse CO2 pollution and effects of climate change.
When it comes to land restoration and reclamation, there’s no substitution for high quality seed. At Curtis and Curtis, you’ll never find noxious weeds or filler in our products. Whether you want to maintain your soil’s health and revive stripped soil with the nutrients your crops need to thrive, we have a wide inventory of products you can depend on.
To learn more about preparing your land for fall, check out our blog on fall cover crops.
As your friends in the seed industry, we’re here to help you get the most out of every seed investment for your farm, ranch, and pasture. Check out our products online or give us a call to schedule your personal consultation with our Cultivation Experts.