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Characteristics of weeds: |
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Weeds are those plants that grow unwantedly, often prolific and persistent. They
interfere with agricultural operations, increase labour cost and reduce crop yields.
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Weeds compete with crop plants for water, light, nutrients and space.
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Some weeds are parasites, either partially or totally, on crop plants.
- Weeds impair the quality and quantity of plant and animal products e.g. throny weeds.
- Weeds harbour insects, pests and diseases.
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- Weeds increase cost of labour and equipment.
- Weeds reduce the efficiency of farm equipment.Some weeds are poisonous and cause
hazards to human beings and animals.
- Weeds reduce the carrying capacity of grazing lands and pastures.
Aquatic weeds
They impede water flow in canals, channels, rivers, etc. They impede drainage. They
are a menace to fisheries.They spoil the recreational value of water bodies.They
pose pollution problems in water and make it un-useable in many cases.They dry water
bodies
Usefulness of weeds
- Weeds add to organic matter content of the soils.
- Weeds help in controlling erosion.They can be used as fodder for cattle and some as vegetables.
- Some weeds possess aromatic oils, medicinal value or both.
- Some weeds are used for fencing purposes.
- Weeds are used as mulch, to check the evaporation loss.
- Some weeds are used as green manure and for composting purposes.
- Some weeds fix atmospheric nitrogen
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