County weed supervisors, Extension agents and private consultants can assist in planning and implementing IWM strategies. Preventing weed encroachment Preventing the introduction of rangeland weeds is the most practical and cost-effective method for their management. Prevention programs include limiting weed seed dispersal, minimizing soil disturbance and properly managing desirable vegetation. Detecting and eradicating new introductions Early detection and systematic eradication of weed introductions are central to integrated weed management. Weeds encroach by establishing small satellite infestations, which are usually the spreading front of the large infestation.
Eradication involves using appropriate techniques to totally remove the weed from the area.
It is usually achievable on a small scale. This generally requires aggressive annual applications of herbicides. Revegetation of infested areas may be required to eradicate weeds in areas without an understory of desirable species which can re-occupy the site after weeds are controlled. Eradication of small patches requires continual monitoring and evaluation to ensure successful and permanent removal of the weed. Studies have shown that containing weed infestations which are too large to eradicate is cost effective because it preserves neighboring uninfested rangeland and enhances the success of future large-scale control programs.