Abstract

As exotic invasive plant species out-compete native organisms and threaten natural ecosystems, the search for solutions often comes in the form of herbicides. Though there are many effective manual forms of controlling certain invasive species, as well as advancements in methods incorporating biological controls, herbicides are used to control and eradicate difficult intruders. This leads to the increased use of herbicides, which further threatens the sustainability of ecosystems. Herbicides have proven to be effective, though not in all scenarios. Effective solutions, therefore, must be explored in order to not only control and eradicate infestations of invasive species, but to lower the amount of herbicides required to produce effective treatments. As early as the 1950s, scientists began to explore the benefits of using foliar fertilizer to encourage the growth and well-being of crops; findings indicated that the addition of certain elements such as nitrogen and phosphorous increased both biomass and crop yield. Foliar fertilizer is seen to trick the plant into photosynthesis, increasing the movement of sugars, water and nutrients throughout its vascular system. The following discussion examines a series of experiments which explore the benefits of using fertilizers such as nitrogen and the potentials of magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium in aiding the effects of herbicides in the control and eradication of durable invasive species, by effectively encouraging the plant to utilize the herbicide more efficiently. The experiments also explore the use of adjuvants, such as Humboldt Sticky and ethylated oils, to further enhance treatment effectiveness, minimize impacts on non-target species, induce wake-up calls in root systems of invasive species, and lower the required concentration of herbicide.

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