United States Department of Agriculture 315-CPS-1

NRCS, NHCP

October 2020

NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current 

version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or 

visit the Field Office Technical Guide online by going to the NRCS website at 

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and type FOTG in the search field. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Natural Resources Conservation Service 

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD 

HERBACEOUS WEED TREATMENT 

CODE 315 

(ac)

DEFINITION 

The removal or control of herbaceous weeds including invasive, noxious, prohibited, or undesirable plants. 

PURPOSE 

This practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes: 

• Enhance accessibility, quantity, and/or quality of forage and/or browse 

• Restore or release native or desired plant communities for wildlife habitat 

• Protect soils and control erosion 

• Reduce fine fuel loads and wildfire hazard 

• Control pervasive plant species to a desired level of treatment 

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES 

This practice applies on all lands except active cropland where removal, reduction, or manipulation of

herbaceous vegetation is desired. 

This practice does not apply to removal of herbaceous vegetation for a land use change or by prescribed

fire. Refer to NRCS Conservation Practice Standards (CPSs) Land Clearing (Code 460) or Prescribed

Burning (Code 338), repectively. 

CRITERIA 

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes 

Apply herbaceous weed treatment to achieve the desired control of the target species and protection or

enhancement of desired species. Desired species contribute positively to land use objectives and site

potential. Use mechanical, chemical, or biological methods either alone or in combination. 

Control pervasive and undesirable herbaceous vegetation to the desired level of treatment that contributes

to the desired state of an ecological site. 

NRCS will not develop insect biological control recommendations or chemical treatment

recommendations. 

NRCS can provide clients with acceptable biological and/or chemical control references to achieve

desired management objectives. 

 NRCS can provide recommendations for biological control to manage herbaceous weeds utilizing grazing

animals. Use NRCS CPS Prescribed Grazing (Code 528) to ensure desired results are achieved and

maintained. 
Nonchemical weed management techniques such as mowing, manually removing, or spot-flaming

infestations can be effective. 

When using herbicides, follow all environmental hazards and site-specific application criteria listed on

herbicide labels and contained in extension service and other approved pest management references.

Access the most recent herbicide labels at the Greenbook Web site (http://www.greenbook.net). 

Include post-treatment measures to achieve resource management objectives. 

Control livestock and human access based on management methods applied and restrictions listed on

the herbicide labels. 

Manage and/or dispose of treated weed species that prevents the spread of herbaceous weeds to new

sites. 

When the herbaceous weed treatment of undesirable species results in the need to reestablish desired

herbaceous species, follow details in the appropriate vegetation establishment practices such as NRCS

CPSs Pasture and Hay Planting (Code 512), Cover Crop (Code 340), Conservation Cover (Code 327),

Range Planting (Code 550), Critical Area Planting (Code 342), Tree /Shrub Establishment (Code 612), or

Wildlife Habitat Planting (Code 420). 

Incorporate weed prevention strategies that include— 

• Minimizing soil disturbance. 

• Minimizing movement of equipment through weed infested areas. 

• Inspecting and cleaning equipment to prevent spread of undesired vegetation. 

Apply treatments during periods of the year when weed species are most vulnerable and when

restoration of the native or desired plant communities have the best chance of recovery. 

Adjacent land uses must be considered before chemicals are used. Also consider the residual effects of

chemical use. Follow label and State guidelines on setbacks and other precautions from sensitive areas

and surface water bodies or karst topography. 

Additional Criteria to Enhance Accessibility, Quantity, and Quality of Forage and/or Browse 

Apply herbaceous weed treatments that minimize negative impacts to forages and/or other nontargeted

plants. Plan timing and sequence of treatment in coordination with specifications developed for NRCS

CPS Prescribed Grazing (Code 528) or Forage Harvest Management (Code 511). 

Additional Criteria to Restore or Release Native or Desired Plant Communities for Wildlife Habitat 

Apply herbaceous weed treatments that protect the health and vigor of native or desired plant species to

preserve and enhance habitat for pollinator insects and wildlife. Time treatments to periods of the year

that accommodate reproduction and other life cycle requirements of target wildlife and pollinator species.

Select treatments that maintain or enhance plant community composition and structure to meet the

requirements of target wildlife and pollinator species. 

Use applicable ecological site description (ESD) state and transition models, or other suitable information,

to develop specifications that are ecologically sound and defensible. Treatments must be congruent with

dynamics of the ecological site(s) and keyed to states and plant community phases that have the potential

and capability to support the desired plant community. If an ESD is not available, base specifications on

the best approximation of the desired plant community composition, structure, and function. 

Use native vegetation to preserve and enhance pollinator insects as well as wildlife. 

-CPS-2

NRCS, NHCP

315

October 2020
Additional Criteria to Protect Soils and Control Erosion 

Herbaceous weed species shade out desired plants exposing more soil for potential erosion. Use caution

when applying herbaceous weed treatments to minimize soil disturbance and soil erosion. 

Apply additional treatments to protect soils and prevent erosion. 

Additional Criteria to Reduce Fine Fuel Loads and Wildfire Hazard 

Treat weed species to create a native or desired plant community that reduces the potential for

accumulating excessive fuel loads and wildfire hazards. 

Apply treatment methods that minimize the potential for unintended impacts to air resources (e.g., dust,

chemical drift, etc.) that could also damage or kill plants, thereby contributing to wildfire hazard. 

Additional Criteria to Control Pervasive Plant Species to a Desired Level of Treatment 

When specific pervasive plant species cannot be controlled with one treatment, plan and apply additional

treatments to achieve effective control through reapplication which may be more than once per growing

season or multiple years. 

CONSIDERATIONS 

Consider using NRCS CPS Pest Management Conservation System (Code 595) in support of herbaceous

weed treatment. 

Consider soil erosion potential and difficulty of vegetation establishment when choosing a method of

control that causes soil disturbance. 

Consider the appropriate time period for treatment. Some herbaceous weed treatment activities can be

effective when applied within a single year; others may require multiple years of treatments to achieve

desired objectives. 

Consider impacts to wildlife species. In general, weed treatments that create a mosaic pattern may be the

most desirable. Leaving native grasses, forbs, and woody vegetation encourages a higher variety of

wildlife and pollinators. When using selective herbicides, leaving other desired plant species also benefits

wildlife and pollinators. 

Consider impacts to wildlife food supplies, space, and cover availability when planning the method and

amount of herbaceous weed treatment. 

State-issued licenses may be required when using chemical pesticide treatments. 

For air quality purposes, consider using chemical methods of herbaceous weed treatment that minimize

chemical drift and excessive chemical usage. Consider mechanical methods of herbaceous weed

treatment that minimize the entrainment of particulate matter. 

Design and execute a plan using adaptive management to apply knowledge gained from earlier treatment

applications. 

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS 

Prepare plans and specifications for each field or treatment unit according to the criteria included in this

standard. At a minimum, the herbaceous weed treatment management practice plan shall include— 

• Goals and objectives statement. 

• Plan map and soil map for the site. 

• Pretreatment cover or density of the target plants and the planned post-treatment cover or density. 

• Maps, drawings, and/or narratives detailing or identifying areas to be treated, pattern of treatment (if

-CPS-3

NRCS, NHCP

315

October 2020
applicable), and areas that will not be disturbed. 

• A monitoring plan that identifies what shall be measured (including timing and frequency) and the

changes in the plant community (compare with objectives) that occur. 

• Apropriate revegetation conservation practice standard(s) needed following treatment (if

applicable). 

• For mechanical treatment methods, the first five bulleted items above, plus— 

• Type of equipment to use for management. 

• Dates of treatment for effective management. 

• Operating instructions (if applicable). 

• Techniques and procedures to be followed. 

• For chemical treatment methods, the first five bulleted items above, plus— 

• Acceptable chemical treatment references for containment and management of target species. 

• Documented techniques to be used, planned dates, and rates of application. 

• Evaluation and interpretation narrative of herbicide risks associated with the selected

treatment(s) using Windows Pesticide Screening Tool (WIN-PST) or other approved tools. 

• Consideration of any special mitigation, timing, or other factors (such as soil texture, distance to

water, and organic matter content) to ensure the safest, most effective application of the

herbicide. 

• Reference product label instructions. 

• For biological treatments methods, the first five bulleted items above, plus— 

• Acceptable biological treatment references for the selected biological control livestock used to

contain and manage the target species. 

• Documentation of release date, kind, and number of livestock. 

• Timing, frequency, duration, and intensity of grazing or browsing. 

• Desired degree of grazing or browsing use for effective management of target species. 

• Maximum allowable degree of use on desirable nontarget species. 

• Special mitigation, precautions, or requirements associated with the selected treatment(s). 

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 

Operation 

Herbaceous weed treatment methods shall be applied using approved materials and procedures.

Operations will comply with all local, State, Tribal, and Federal laws and ordinances. The landowner is

responsible for obtaining any permits prior to practice implementation. Observe State and Federal

restricted-use pesticides and certified pesticide applicator’s license requirements. 

Develop a safety plan for individuals exposed to chemicals, including telephone numbers and addresses

of emergency treatment centers and the telephone number for the nearest poison control center. 

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) telephone number in Corvallis, OR, may also be given

for nonemergency information: 1-800-858-7384, Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Pacific Time.

The national Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTRAC) telephone number is: 1-800-424-

9300. 

• Follow label requirements for mixing/loading setbacks from wells, intermittent streams and rivers,

natural or impounded ponds and lakes, and reservoirs. 

• Post signs according to label directions and/or Federal, State, Tribal, and local laws, around fields

-CPS-4

NRCS, NHCP

315

October 2020
that have been treated. Follow restricted entry intervals. 

• Dispose of herbicide and herbicide containers in accordance with label directions and adhere to

Federal, State, Tribal, and local regulations. 

• Read and follow label directions and maintain appropriate safety data sheets. Safety data sheets

and herbicide labels can be accessed at the Greenbook Web site (http://www.greenbook.net). 

• Calibrate application equipment according to recommendations before each seasonal use and with

each major chemical and site change. 

• Replace worn nozzle tips, cracked hoses, and faulty gauges on spray equipment. 

• Maintain records of plant management for at least 2 years. Herbicide application records shall be in

accordance with USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Pesticide Recordkeeping Program and

State-specific requirements. 

Maintenance 

Success of the practice shall be determined by evaluating regrowth or reoccurrence of target and desired

species after sufficient time has passed to monitor the vegetation and gather reliable data. Length of

evaluation periods depend on the herbaceous weed species being monitored, proximity of propagules

(seeds, plant materials, and roots) to the site, transport mode of seeds (wind or animals), and methods

and materials used. 

Following initial application, regrowth, resprouting, or reoccurrence of herbaceous weeds can be

expected. Complete spot treatments of individual plants or areas needing retreatment when weed

vegetation is most vulnerable to desired treatment procedures. 

Review and update the herbaceous weed treatment plan periodically to— 

• Incorporate new integrated pest management technology, 

• Respond to grazing management and complex weed population changes, and 

• Follow cooperative extension service guidance to avoid the development of weed resistance to

herbicide chemicals. 

REFERENCES 

Bamka, W., B. Barbour, L. Gladney, and C. Williams. 2013. Poisonous Weeds in Horse Pastures.

Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS938. Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.

https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs938/

Coombs, E., J. Clark, G. Piper, and A. Cofrancesco, Jr. (Eds). 2004. Biological Control of Invasive Plants

in the United States. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR. 

Cornell University. 2019. “Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Other Animals.” Department of Animal

Science, Ithaca, NY. Accessed September 8, 2020. http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/

Evers, R.A. and R.P. Link. 1972. Poisonous Plants of the Midwest and their Effects on Livestock. Special

Publication 24. University of Illinois, College of Agriculture, Urbana, IL. 

Lingenfelter, D. and W.S. Curran. 2001. Weed Management in Pasture Systems. Penn State Extension,

State College, PA. https://extension.psu.edu/weed-management-in-pasture-systems

Oliver, L.B., J.P. Stovall, C.E. Comer, H.M. Williams, and M.E. Symmank. 2019. Weed Control and

Overstory Reduction Improve Survival and Growth of Under-planted Oak and Hickory Seedlings.

Restoration Ecology Vol. 27, Issue 1. DOI: 10.1111/rec.12826 

Peachey, E., A. Hulting, T. Miller, D. Lyon, D. Morishita, and P. Hutchinson. 2020. Pacific Northwest Weed

Management Handbook. Oregon State University, Corvallis. OR. 

-CPS-5

NRCS, NHCP

315

October 2020
Peischel, A. and D.D. Henry, Jr. 2006. Targeted Grazing: a Natural Approach to Vegetation Management

and Landscape Enhancement. American Sheep Industry Association. Englewood, CO. 

Radosevich, S.R., J.S. Holt, and C.M. Ghersa. 2007. Ecology of Weeds and Invasive Plants –

Relationship to Agriculture and Natural Resource Management, Third Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 

Sheley, R., J. James, B. Smith, and E. Vasquez. 2010. Applying Ecologically Based Invasive-Plant

Management. Rangeland Ecology & Management 63(6): 605-613. DOI: 10.2307/40961070

USDA Agricultural Research Service. 2011. Plants Poisonous to Livestock in the Western States.

Agriculture Information Bulletin Number 415. Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan,

UT.https://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/poisonousplants/poisonousplants.pdf

Whitson, T.D., L.C. Burrill, S.A. Dewey, D.W. Cudney, B.E. Nelson, R.D. Lee, and R. Parker. 2012. Weeds

of the West, 11th Edition. Western Society of Weed Science in cooperation with the Western United States

Land Grant Universities Cooperative Extension Services and the University of Wyoming. 

-CPS-6

NRCS, NHCP

315

October 2020