Due to the uniqueness in managing CRP fields, we have developed specific factsheets to help in developing management plans for these listed species in CRP fields (see links).
Managing invasive plants in fields enrolled in the CRP in Wisconsin
Mark Renz, Extension Weed Scientist, University of Wisconsin-Madison
While all CRP contracts contain specific language that requires weeds to be managed during the contract period, many fields enrolled in this program are infested. Of particular concern are invasive plants as they can impact the goal of CRP fields (wildlife habitat) and act as sources for further spread. Recently NRCS and FSA have clarified what is expected of the landowner as they have released new guidelines with respect to invasive and undesirable plants within CRP fields (
ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/WI/jobsheets/js-397.pdf). As a result, weed species have been categorized into one of four groups and prioritized based on these groups (See Table 1). The intent of this is to have more stringent rules with new or troublesome invasive plants to prevent spread in Wisconsin, but provide more flexibility in management of common weed species (see Table 2).
Due to the uniqueness in managing CRP fields, we have developed specific factsheets to help in developing management plans for these listed species in CRP fields (see links). Since management is often specific to the life history of the plants, we have written separate fact-sheets for annual, biennial, simple perennial, creeping perennial, and woody weeds. These fact-sheets detail information with respect to all forms of management (physical/mechanical, mowing, grazing, biological, herbicides) for each life history and provide recommendations on when and how frequently management activities should be conducted. While the target audience for these publications are landowners not familiar weed management methods these fact-sheets should also help experienced individuals in developing the most appropriate management plan for the weed species present.
WOODY SPECIES LINK >>> CRP_Woody_08.pdf
Table 1. Categories and actions required for listed invasive plants in fields enrolled in CRP in Wisconsin.
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Category
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Action Required
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1. New invasive plants
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No tolerance, must attempt to eliminate
|
|
2. Spreading invasive plants
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Prevent the development of viable seed, keep cover <10% with no patch (individual species or in combination) >1 acre
|
|
3. Species of concern
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Keep cover <30% with no patch (individual species or in combination) >1 acre
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|
4. Woody species1
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Keep cover <5% and plants <5 ft tall with no patch (individual species or in combination) >1 acre
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1Does not include leadplant & New Jersey tea
Table 2. Life history and categorization of invasive plants in fields enrolled in CRP in Wisconsin.
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Common name
|
Scientific name
|
Life history
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Category #
|
|
Chinese lespedeza
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Lespedeza sericea
|
simple/creeping perennial
|
1
|
|
Crown vetch
|
Coronilla varia
|
creeping perennial
|
1
|
|
Cutleaf teasel
|
Dipsacus laciniatus
|
biennial/ monocarpic perennial
|
1
|
|
common teasel
|
Dipsacus fullonum
|
biennial/ monocarpic perennial
|
1
|
|
Giant hogweed
|
Heracleum mantegazzianum
|
simple perennial
|
1
|
|
Hill mustard
|
Bunias orientalis
|
simple perennial
|
1
|
|
Japanese knotweed
|
Polygonum cuspidatum
|
creeping perennial
|
1
|
|
Multiflora rose
|
Rosa multiflora
|
woody species
|
1
|
|
Poison hemlock
|
Conium maculatum
|
biennial
|
1
|
|
Wild chervil
|
Anthriscus sylvestris
|
simple perennial
|
1
|
|
Canada thistle
|
Cirsium arvense
|
creeping perennial
|
2
|
|
Common tansy
|
Tanacetum vulgare
|
creeping perennial
|
2
|
|
Field bindweed
|
Convolvulus arvensis
|
creeping perennial
|
2
|
|
Garlic mustard
|
Alliaria petiolata
|
biennial
|
2
|
|
Hawkweeds
|
Hieracium spp.
|
creeping perennial
|
2
|
|
Japanese hedge parsley
|
Torilis japonica
|
biennial
|
2
|
|
Knapweed spp.
|
Centaurea spp.
|
simple perennial
|
2
|
|
Marsh thistle
|
Cirsium palustre
|
biennial
|
2
|
|
Musk thistle
|
Carduus nutans
|
biennial
|
2
|
|
Plumeless thistle
|
Carduus acanthoides
|
biennial
|
2
|
|
Purple loosestrife
|
Lythrum salicaria
|
simple perennial
|
2
|
|
Reed canary grass
|
Phalaris arundinacea
|
creeping perennial
|
2
|
|
Reed grass, common
|
Phragmites australis
|
creeping perennial
|
2
|
|
Spurge: leafy & cypress
|
Euphorbia esula & cyparissias
|
creeping perennial
|
2
|
|
White clover
|
Melilotus alba
|
biennial
|
2
|
|
yellow sweet clover
|
Melilotus officinalis
|
biennial
|
2
|
|
Wild parsnip
|
Pastinaca sativa
|
biennial/ monocarpic perennial
|
2
|
|
Burdock
|
Arctium minus
|
biennial
|
3
|
|
Canada goldenrod
|
Solidago canadensis
|
creeping perennial
|
3
|
|
Curly dock
|
Rumex crispus
|
simple perennial
|
3
|
|
Dames rocket
|
Hesperis matronalis
|
simple perennial
|
3
|
|
Giant ragweed
|
Ambrosia trifida
|
annual
|
3
|
|
Queen Anne’s Lace
|
Daucus carota
|
biennial
|
3
|