Farmers facing invasive plant crisis in Southeast Finland

Farmers in Southeast Finland are increasingly encountering two invasive plant species: barnyard grass and smooth crabgrass. Over the past five years, sightings of these plants have notably risen, with this summer witnessing an exceptional surge. The situation is particularly dire in Southeast Finland, where the number of farms reporting these invasive species has doubled since last year.

Invasive plants effectively overtake fields, depriving crops of essential nutrients and sunlight. In severe cases, farmers may find that they cannot harvest produce from contaminated plots. The exact reasons for the widespread dispersal of these plants are not clear. According to observations, seeds may have arrived through foreign seeds, feed, and bedding materials. Additionally, they might have been introduced by migratory birds such as geese.

Concerns about invasive species have also grown due to the use of foreign seeds in bird feed. Crops like barnyard grass and smooth crabgrass are known to spread rapidly through farming equipment and manure, with combines easily distributing seeds across fields.

Experts advise farmers detecting these invasive species to take immediate action to prevent further spread. It is recommended that contaminated fields not be harvested if possible, and instead, efforts should focus on containment. However, managing these invasive species incurs significant additional costs for farmers, impacting their profitability. Control methods include manual removal and chemical treatments, though the challenge lies in the timing of pesticide application, as invasive species often germinate later than native plants. If used at the wrong time, herbicides may destroy both the invasive and native plants.