Climate Change Vs Kudzu Problem
Climate Change Versus The Kudzu Problem: How Kudzu Will Survive The Climate Change Apocalypse
December 7, 2012
Abstract
The kudzu problem, also known as the invasive species Pueraria montana var. lobata, currently rages across the Southern US, drowning out the native vegetation and covering anything in its way, including human architecture. However, the kudzu faces the same upcoming trials as we do—climate change. Will the kudzu, having already stood the test of migration, handle the coming climate shift just as well? To answer this question, we examine the three characteristics of kudzu that allow it to succeed as an invasive species, outcompeting both native species and human landowners, and how these same characteristics …show more content…
In addition, Clemson Uni. assures the user that Tordon products can kill any sprayed pines or hardwoods, and that it should not be used near streams or water sources for fear of leaching into the water table. Planting pines for up to 9 months after the last application of Tordon is not advised. (8)
Around water and other such water sources, an alternate, unrestricted compound called Veteran 720 is advised. However, while care must still be taken to avoid the water, it is not as effective as the Tordon 101 Mixture and Tordon K, and may or may not result in the death of the kudzu. Plus, at 3 gallons an acre and $52 per gallon in 2003 (8), it takes more of the safer Veteran 720 to potentially deal with the problem.
In young pine plantations, the delicate balancing of herbicide against tree stress becomes a much more complicated issue. Clemson advises that in pine plantations older than two years but younger than three or four be sprayed with 8 ounces of Oust per acre. Anything older than three to four years should be treated with 3-4 ounces of Escort per acre. If the age of the stand is unknown, you could use a product called Transline at 21 ounces an acre, known to injure legumes. …show more content…
One of the first options humans reach for when trying to control plant growth—fire, and a lot of it—proves ineffective against kudzu. Burning everything to the ground does not guarantee that the kudzu is dead, due to its method of reproduction and high water content. Most sources on kudzu, from local governmental pamphlets assuaging local farmers to federal databases assessing the problem, take note of how prescribed burning has only a limited effect against the vine. It’s generally advised to use fire to reduce the crushing biomass of the aboveground vines, as the vines themselves will burn, or to prepare the site for herbicide treatment. By burning as much of the plant as we can see and clearing out the vines in the way, we can finally get to the root of the problem (pun entirely
December 7, 2012
Abstract
The kudzu problem, also known as the invasive species Pueraria montana var. lobata, currently rages across the Southern US, drowning out the native vegetation and covering anything in its way, including human architecture. However, the kudzu faces the same upcoming trials as we do—climate change. Will the kudzu, having already stood the test of migration, handle the coming climate shift just as well? To answer this question, we examine the three characteristics of kudzu that allow it to succeed as an invasive species, outcompeting both native species and human landowners, and how these same characteristics …show more content…
In addition, Clemson Uni. assures the user that Tordon products can kill any sprayed pines or hardwoods, and that it should not be used near streams or water sources for fear of leaching into the water table. Planting pines for up to 9 months after the last application of Tordon is not advised. (8)
Around water and other such water sources, an alternate, unrestricted compound called Veteran 720 is advised. However, while care must still be taken to avoid the water, it is not as effective as the Tordon 101 Mixture and Tordon K, and may or may not result in the death of the kudzu. Plus, at 3 gallons an acre and $52 per gallon in 2003 (8), it takes more of the safer Veteran 720 to potentially deal with the problem.
In young pine plantations, the delicate balancing of herbicide against tree stress becomes a much more complicated issue. Clemson advises that in pine plantations older than two years but younger than three or four be sprayed with 8 ounces of Oust per acre. Anything older than three to four years should be treated with 3-4 ounces of Escort per acre. If the age of the stand is unknown, you could use a product called Transline at 21 ounces an acre, known to injure legumes. …show more content…
One of the first options humans reach for when trying to control plant growth—fire, and a lot of it—proves ineffective against kudzu. Burning everything to the ground does not guarantee that the kudzu is dead, due to its method of reproduction and high water content. Most sources on kudzu, from local governmental pamphlets assuaging local farmers to federal databases assessing the problem, take note of how prescribed burning has only a limited effect against the vine. It’s generally advised to use fire to reduce the crushing biomass of the aboveground vines, as the vines themselves will burn, or to prepare the site for herbicide treatment. By burning as much of the plant as we can see and clearing out the vines in the way, we can finally get to the root of the problem (pun entirely