From the Integrated Weed Management Resource Center:

Integrated Weed Management (IWM) means integrating multiple weed control tactics into a weed management program, to optimize control of the particular weed problem. The past several decades have seen simplified weed control practices that rely heavily on a few popular herbicides. However, the rapid spread of herbicide-resistant weeds has pushed producers and agronomists to explore additional options in order to maintain weed control. Increased consumer demand for organic and sustainable agriculture has also motivated a push toward alternative weed management.

 

IWM can be thought of as a “toolbox” of weed management strategies, or “tools.” The set of “tools” a producer chooses to tackle a particular weed problem should be based on what’s best for the specific situation. The “toolbox” includes chemical (herbicide), mechanical, cultural, biological practices, and weed prevention measures.

 

IWM tactics span a wide range of types and complexity. Many IWM tactics can be integrated without substantial change to current management programs, while others require more intensive planning and implementation. Some examples include: Equipment cleaning, timely scouting, altering herbicide tank mixes, rotating herbicides, cover cropping, changing tillage practices, and hand-pulling weeds.

 

From University of California

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and nontarget organisms, and the environment

 

IPM focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage by managing the ecosystem

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With IPM, you take actions to keep pests from becoming a problem, such as by growing a healthy crop that can withstand pest attacks and using disease-resistant plants.

 

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Tools and Resources

• Purdue University Field Crops IPM

• Indiana USDA-NRCS

• Integrated Weed Management Resource Center