Weeds as indicators of environmental conditions

摘要

Turfgrass managers know that turfgrass species are adapted to certain soil and light conditions. Bermudagrass grows best in full sun and creeping red fescue is adapted to shady conditions. Weed species, just like our cultivated turfgrasses, are alsooften associated with certain environmental conditions. Understanding the association of weed species to the soft environment could help you identify an underlying soil problem. You can then correct the soil problem and the result will be enhanced turf growth. A more competitive turf will reduce weed density. The presence of a specific weed species is not proof, however, that the associated soft condition exists at that site. Weeds are generally adapted to a range of growing conditions. They may even grow better in areas other than specific environments with which they are associated.