Facts about weeds
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April 20 2024
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The definition of a weed is a plant growing where it is not wanted.
There are approximately 250,000 species of plants worldwide; of those, about 3% or 8000 species behave as weeds.Weeds are successful because of characteristics like abundant seed production, long-term seed survival in the soil, fast growth, ability to survive drought, poor soil, and lack of moisture.
Weeds are a major problem in worldwide agriculture. They compete with crops for water, light, soil nutrients, and space.
Weeds do have some beneficial value. They may reduce soil erosion, provide food for birds and nectar for honeybees, and are a source of soil organic matter.Check out the Penn State Extension website for more interesting information about weeds:
https://extension.psu.edu/introduction-to-weeds-what-are-weeds-and-why-do-we-care -
Katie Martin