Why should we control our weeds?

Invasive weeds are usually non-native species that were introduced from other ecosystems that adapt quickly and spread aggressively. The province of Alberta has established a list of noxious and prohibited noxious weeds that threaten the natural ecosystem and agricultural land of Alberta. The presence of these weeds has a significant impact on our agricultural industry. Due to their over-competitive natures, these weeds have potential to rapidly outcompete and choke out planted crops.  

Weeds Impact Canola Yield Losses

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research found that weeds impact canola yield losses and found that in Alberta, yield losses averaged 35% over an 18-year period from 2003 to 2020 (*Geddes et al., 2022). Invasive weeds are also an issue within hay fields. If invasive weeds grow and reproduce, harvested hay cannot be moved to another field or farm because it can further contribute to the ongoing spread or be toxic to livestock.  

Native ecosystems in Alberta are also threatened by the presence of noxious weeds. With weed seed productions as high as 50,000 seeds a season, invasive weeds can easily take over native grasslands and grazed pastures if left uncontrolled. As with the threat to planted crops, once invasive species establish in a native ecosystem they begin to take over and outcompete native plant species. This can have a chain-reaction effect.  The resulting reduction in the biodiversity of our plant species can in turn reduce the availability of habitat for many beneficial insects and animal species.  

Many weeds are also unsightly to the natural landscape within Parkland County. Between the Canada thistle fluff and the shrub like appearance of a common tansy, these species break up the natural beauty and native character of the landscapes within the County. 

Programs to Assist

So, what is Parkland County doing to help battle the spread? Many things! Parkland County has many ongoing programs to assist with the control and eradication of invasive weed species:  

• Weed Inspectors are appointed under the Alberta Weed Control Act to combat weeds using an early detection, rapid response method of controlling and preventing the establishment of weeds.  

• A vegetation management team that uses integrated pest management in all the County ditches and municipal reserves within Weed Focus areas and targets weed sightings on other County managed land. 

• Our roadside mowing team that mows over 4,300 kilometers of ditch every year.  

• We offer residents rental access to boomless herbicide sprayers via our Agriculture Services building (for more information visit: www.parklandcounty.com/rental-equipment). 

The increase of invasive species can have far-reaching consequences which affect both agricultural productivity and consumer costs. By out-competing crops for resources, these invasive weed species diminish yields and increase production costs which are passed down to the consumer. This makes it essential that we take collective action to eradicate these harmful species within our County and mitigate their impact that they have on our food systems and wallets.  

For more information on Parkland County’s Weed Programs please visit our website at www.parklandcounty.com/Weeds. 

*Geddes, C. M., Tidemann, B. D., Ikley, J. T., Dille, J. A., Soltani, N., & Sikkema, P. H. (2022, December 19). Potential spring canola yield losses due to weeds in Canada and the United States: Weed technology. Cambridge Core.