Weed Control

Develop Your Knowledge and Skills in Weed Identification and Control.

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. Some chemicals, for instance will effectively kill certain weeds when they are in the early stages of growth, but will not control other types of weeds. You may need to be able to distinguish between types of weeds to determine whether the chemical will or won't work.

Learn about both chemical and non-chemical control methods (mulching, burning, mowing), the use of spray equipment and safety procedures which should be followed.

"This is the first correspondence course I have done and I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU. I appreciate everyone's effort in such a professionally-run organisation with seamless administration. The office staff's happy can-do attitude, their fast responses to all queries, tutor Shane Gould's quick turnaround in assignment marking and his supportive and motivational feedback and last but not least, the sound subject guides. Most importantly I hope my thanks and appreciation can be communicated to all the staff who have supported me long the way of my learning! I work full time and study on the weekend but really don't stop thinking about what gardening solution I need in order to answer my assignments every day of the week. Thank you for such a great learning experience and I cant wait to start the second half of my course!!"
- Skye

COURSE CONTENT

The course is divided into 7 lessons as follows:

1.  Weed Identification

• Review of the system of plant identification
• Common groups of weeds
• General characteristics of the weeds
• Resource guide

2.  Weed Control Methods

• Different ways to control weeds
• Types of weed problems
• List of plants to avoid
• Profile of some common weeds
• Mulching
• Soil treatments to control plant problems
• Physiological effects of weedicides on plants
• Pesticides terminology

3.  Chemical Weed Control

• Review of commercial groups of herbicides and their use
• Weedicides for home gardens

4.  Weed Control In Specific Situations

• Methods of controlling weeds on turf
• Types of weedicides used
• The law in relation to chemical use
• Commonly used commercial formulations
• Weed control in plant nurseries

5.  Safe Chemical Application

• Safety rules for using chemicals
• Safely storing and mixing of chemicals
• Correct usage of chemicals
• Cleaning up and disposing chemicals
• Basic first aid in relation to chemicals
• Keeping records of chemical usage
• Selection of pump and tanks
• Sprayer maintenance and cleaning
• Effects of chemicals on humans and animals

6.  Non-Chemical Weed Control

• Effects of chemical herbicides on the environment
• Biocontrol of pests and diseases
• Advantage and disadvantage of biocontrol

7.  Developing A Major Weed Control Program

• A practical lesson where the student can fully demonstrate their understanding of weed control by devising a weed management plan for a designated area.

Aims

• Distinguish between different types of weeds, and identify common weed species, growing in your locality.
• Explain characteristics of different weed control methods.
• Explain the use of chemical herbicides to control weeds.
• Specify appropriate weed control methods, for different types of situations.
• Determine appropriate techniques for the safe application of chemical herbicide in a specific situation.
• Explain different non-chemical weed control methods.
• Devise appropriate methods for control of weeds, for specific problems, in both the horticultural and agricultural industries
• Determine a detailed weed control program for a significant weed problem.

What You Will Do

• Observe and consider over 100 different varieties of weeds and prepare plant review sheets for different weed plants.
• Make up a list of information resources.
• Plant, grow and observe different varieties of weeds.
• Make drawings of young seedlings of at least fifteen different weeds.
• Speak/interview people who have to deal with weed control in their daily life.
• Visit a nursery, garden shop or hardware store that sells herbicides to the public.
• Visit at least one supplier of herbicides for industrial and agricultural use.
• Contact larger chemical companies for leaflets on different herbicides.
• Investigate at least two workplaces where weed control programs are regularly carried out.
• Visit and inspect different sites where weeds are a problem.
• Photograph different places that have been treated with weedicides.
• Contact your local Department of Agriculture or Lands Department for researching purposes.
• Visit several farmers who raise different types of livestock.
• Develop a 12 month guideline for an integrated weed control program for a particular site.

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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