Course CodeBHT209Fee CodeS2Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested. Controlling Weeds Learn to identify and manage weed problems Study lots of different techniques for controlling weeds Understanding weeds is the key to controlling them, whether in a garden, farm or elsewhere and controlling weeds can save you a great deal of time, money and environmental damage. This course shows you what weeds are, how to identify weeds, and how to control weeds. Lesson Structure There are 7 lessons in this course: Weed Identification Review of the system of plant identification Common groups of weeds General characteristics of the weeds Resource guide Weed Control Methods Different ways to control weeds Types of weed problems List of plants to avoid Profile of some common weeds Mulching Soil treatments to control plant problems Physiological effects of weedicides on plants Pesticides terminology Chemical Weed Control Review of commercial groups of herbicides and their use Weedicides for home gardens Weed Control In Specific Situations Methods of controlling weeds on turf Types of weedicides used The law in relation to chemical use Commonly used commercial formulations Weed control in plant nurseries Safe Chemical Application Safety rules for using chemicals Safely storing and mixing of chemicals Correct usage of chemicals Cleaning up and disposing chemicals Basic first aid in relation to chemicals Keeping records of chemical usage Selection of pump and tanks Sprayer maintenance and cleaning Effects of chemicals on humans and animals Non-Chemical Weed Control Effects of chemical herbicides on the environment Biocontrol of pests and diseases Advantage and disadvantage of biocontrol Developing a Weed Control Program Report A practical lesson where the student can fully demonstrate their understanding of weed control by devising a weed management plan for a designated area. Aims Distinguish between different types of weeds, and identify common weed species, growing in your locality. Explain characteristics of different weed control methods. Explain the use of chemical herbicides to control weeds. Specify appropriate weed control methods, for different types of situations. Determine appropriate techniques for the safe application of chemical herbicide in a specific situation. Explain different non-chemical weed control methods. Devise appropriate methods for control of weeds, for specific problems, in both the horticultural and agricultural industries Determine a detailed weed control program for a significant weed problem. What You Will Do Observe and consider over 100 different varieties of weeds and prepare plant review sheets for different weed plants. Make up a list of information resources. Plant, grow and observe different varieties of weeds. Make drawings of young seedlings of at least fifteen different weeds. Speak/interview people who have to deal with weed control in their daily life. Visit a nursery, garden shop or hardware store that sells herbicides to the public. Visit at least one supplier of herbicides for industrial and agricultural use. Contact larger chemical companies for leaflets on different herbicides. Investigate at least two workplaces where weed control programs are regularly carried out. Visit and inspect different sites where weeds are a problem. Photograph different places that have been treated with weedicides. Contact your local Department of Agriculture or Lands Department for researching purposes. Visit several farmers who raise different types of livestock. Develop a 12 month guideline for an integrated weed control program for a particular site. WHAT IS A WEED? The generally accepted definition of a weed is any plant that, for some reason or other, is unwanted in a particular position. Any type of plant has the potential to be a weed. You should first: Know the weed or weeds you are dealing with. Know how those varieties grow, and what conditions they do and don't tolerate. Then create conditions which they don't like. You need to consider whether you want to kill or just control the weeds. When you know these things you can consider which method is best for your situation. WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS COURSE? This course is suitable for people working in: Crop growing Farming Land management Conservation General horticulture Landscaping Garden maintenance It is also applicable to land owners or enthusiasts or volunteers who wish to help with weed management in their locality. HOW TO ENROL Click box below on left hand side -follow instructions. IF YOU NEED ADVICE - click here to use our FREE ADVISORY SERVICE