Learn Weed Management
Learn to identify and manage weeds for Farms, Gardens, Public Open Spaces, Wilderness Areas or any other places where weeds are an issue.
Lesson Structure
There are 7 lessons in this course:
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Weed Identification
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Review of the system of plant identification
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Common groups of weeds
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General characteristics of the weeds
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Resource guide
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Weed Control Methods
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Different ways to control weeds
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Types of weed problems
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List of plants to avoid
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Profile of some common weeds
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Mulching
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Soil treatments to control plant problems
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Physiological effects of weedicides on plants
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Pesticides terminology
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Chemical Weed Control
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Review of commercial groups of herbicides and their use
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Weedicides for home gardens
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Weed Control In Specific Situations
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Methods of controlling weeds on turf
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Types of weedicides used
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The law in relation to chemical use
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Commonly used commercial formulations
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Weed control in plant nurseries
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Safe Chemical Application
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Safety rules for using chemicals
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Safely storing and mixing of chemicals
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Correct usage of chemicals
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Cleaning up and disposing chemicals
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Basic first aid in relation to chemicals
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Keeping records of chemical usage
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Selection of pump and tanks
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Sprayer maintenance and cleaning
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Effects of chemicals on humans and animals
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Non-Chemical Weed Control
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Effects of chemical herbicides on the environment
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Biocontrol of pests and diseases
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Advantage and disadvantage of biocontrol
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Developing a Weed Control Program Report
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A practical lesson where the student can fully demonstrate their understanding of weed control by devising a weed management plan for a designated area.
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Aims
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To distinguish between different types of weeds, and identify common weed species, growing in your locality.
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To understand the characteristics of different weed control methods.
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To be able to explain the use of chemical herbicides to control weeds.
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To be able to specify appropriate weed control methods, for different types of situations.
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To determine appropriate techniques for the safe application of chemical herbicide in a specific situation.
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To be able to explain different non-chemical weed control methods.
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To be able to devise appropriate methods for control of weeds, for specific problems, in both the horticultural and agricultural industries
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To be able to determine a detailed weed control program for a significant weed problem.
What You Will Do
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You will look at and consider 104 different varieties of weeds and prepare plant review sheets for 13 different weed plants.
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Make up a list of information resources.
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Plant 5 different varieties of weeds to study.
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Make drawings of young seedlings of at least fifteen different weeds.
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Speak/interview people who have to deal with weed control in their daily life.
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Visit a nursery, garden shop or hardware store that sells herbicides to the public.
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Visit at least one supplier of herbicides for industrial and agricultural use.
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Contact 4 or 5 of the larger chemical companies for leaflets on different herbicides.
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Investigate at least two workplaces where weed control programs are regularly carried out.
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Visit and inspect five different sites where weeds are a problem.
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Photograph different places that have been treated with weedicides.
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Contact your local Department of Agriculture or Lands Department for researching purposes.
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Visit several farmers who raise different types of livestock.
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Develop a 12 month guideline for an integrated weed control program for a particular site
What is a Weed?
A weed is any plant that is growing where you don't want it. A weed will compete with your desired plants for light, space, water and nutrients. A plant could also be a weed because of a particular characteristic; it could be poisonous to stock or humans, it may act as a host plant for pests and diseases (of both other plants and/or animals), it may have damaging roots, or it could cause allergies. Any plant has the potential to be a weed.
There are many different ways of controlling weeds, and literally thousands of different weed species which might need controlling. It is always important to use the appropriate treatment for the weed(s) in question. Young weeds are far easier to control than older ones.
Steps in Controlling Weeds
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Know what weed or weeds you are dealing with.
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Know how those varieties grow, and what conditions they do and don't tolerate.
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Create conditions which weeds don't like.
You need to consider whether you want to kill or just control the weeds. When you know these answers you can consider which method is best for your situation.
This course will show you a range of ways of controlling weeds -some natural, some not.
WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?
In order to be able to control weeds you have to be able to recognise them in the first place. Sometimes that means distinguishing them in early stages of growth so that you can eradicate them before they get too large or reach the seeding stage. Different plants are problematic weeds in different localities, and some plants which are not currently classed as weeds may show a propensity to become weeds if they are not controlled. In this course you'll not only learn about different groups of weeds, but the most appropriate methods to control them.
This course is suitable for people working in:
Crop growing
Farming
Land management
Conservation
General horticulture
Landscaping
Garden maintenance
It is also applicable to land owners or enthusiasts or volunteers who wish to help with weed management in their locality.
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