Cheatgrass, an invasive species of grass that poses a threat to grazing land, wildlife habitat, and fire-prone landscapes, continues to be a major concern in many parts of the United States. In Wyoming, University of Wyoming Extension specialist Dan Tekiela and his team are working with producers, government agencies, and the herbicide industry to develop effective management strategies for this relentless weed. In a recent field day event held in Sybille Canyon, Tekiela discussed the types of herbicides and research parameters involved in the cheatgrass research.
According to Tekiela, there are no silver bullets for cheatgrass. While there are several herbicides available for controlling this invasive grass, none of them can provide a long-term solution on their own. The key to effective cheatgrass management is to use a combination of tools and methods, including herbicides, mechanical treatments, grazing management, and revegetation.
In the field day event, Tekiela showcased the results of herbicide trials conducted in a heavily cheatgrass infested area that had been treated more than a decade ago by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and state lands. Despite the earlier treatments, the cheatgrass had returned, prompting the agency to seek alternatives for managing the weed. Tekiela partnered with them on the project and tested several herbicides to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing cheatgrass populations.
While the results were not conclusive, Tekiela said that some herbicides showed promise in reducing cheatgrass densities in the short term. He cautioned, however, that the long-term effects of these herbicides on non-target species and soil health need to be studied further. He emphasized that herbicides should be used judiciously as part of an integrated approach to cheatgrass management.
Apart from herbicides, Tekiela talked about the importance of managing the soil seed bank, which is a reservoir of cheatgrass seeds that can persist in the soil for several years. He highlighted the need to prevent new cheatgrass infestations by minimizing soil disturbance, reducing bare ground, and promoting diverse plant communities that can compete with the weed. Tekiela also stressed the role of education and outreach in raising awareness about cheatgrass and engaging stakeholders in the management process.
While there is no silver bullet for cheatgrass management, the field day event provided valuable insights into the types of herbicides and research parameters involved in the ongoing effort to control this invasive species. Tekiela's research is part of a larger national effort to address the challenges posed by cheatgrass and to develop sustainable solutions for managing this formidable weed.
As producers and landowners grapple with the impact of cheatgrass on their livelihoods and ecosystems, it is important to keep abreast of the latest research and management strategies. By working together and sharing knowledge, we can better understand and tackle the challenges posed by cheatgrass and promote healthy agroecosystems that benefit people and wildlife alike.
Keywords: Cheatgrass, Herbicide, Management, Wyoming, Integrated approach.