Farming Gains Science Support

Weed Specialists Guide Sustainable Soil Farming Systems

Weed science leaders expressed strong support for a new regenerative agriculture pilot program launched by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program aimed to help farms improve soil health, protect water quality, and increase long term productivity.

The project also focused on improving food security and supporting stable food prices while encouraging sustainable farm practices. Weed specialists explained that weed management played a major role in helping regenerative systems succeed.

"Weed control is what will make regenerative agriculture possible, as practices that help to improve soil health and water quality will also minimize reliance on tillage," said Lee Van Wychen, WSSA Executive Director of Science Policy. "Without tillage, weed control can become quite challenging, and farmers will need technical help from weed scientists and weed-science research to succeed."

The pilot program planned to use a council to guide development. Weed science leaders asked that science-based experts be included to advise on weed control strategies and provide clear guidance on regenerative farming definitions.

Government support was described as helpful when programs were simple to use and affordable. Stanley Culpepper, Ph.D., WSSA past president, said, "Implementing practices to improve soil health and farm sustainability are a priority for family farms as they strive to better the farm for the next generation." He added, "Including an applied weed scientist in the development and implementation process would help address these challenges and ensure weedy pests are not overlooked."

WSSA also supported cooperation with other agriculture organizations. "For example, GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds) has already been doing the exact work that needs to be done to successfully implement a regenerative ag pilot program," said Van Wychen. "Their Weed Management Planner is the perfect resource on which to begin."

GROW offered tools such as cover crops, weed electrocution, and precision sprayers.