The recent stretch of mild summerlike temperatures has really begun to kick-start the growing season: Grass is beginning to green up, and a dairyman who relies solely on pasture reported there is enough pasture growth to eliminate supplemental feeding to his herd.

Even if it is only early April, warm temperatures and adequate moisture is the best recipe for plant growth. But along with plant growth is undesirable growth such as weeds.

Weeds are always evident, constantly competing with desirable plants and crops. Crop producers need to be vigilant in scouting fields and developing an effective plan for weed control. Most producers realize the impact of poor weed control on production and have an adequate plan to eliminate production losses because of weed competition.

On the other hand, sometimes producers overlook weed control on their Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program land. CREP land could be a riparian buffer along a stream, a sod waterway or highly erodible cropland. CREP participants are either active producers or nonfarming farm owners. Both are considered active producers for the CREP program and need to realize CREP benefits could be in jeopardy if weeds — noxious weeds in particular — are not controlled. Noxious weeds, such as thistle and multiflora rose, must be controlled and not permitted to spread onto neighboring fields and pastures.

The Farm Service Agency recently sent all CREP participants a reminder of weed control responsibilities. Essentially, the reminder focused on items from the CREP conservation plan:

Riparian buffer reminders — Have you scouted your buffer this past year? Do you have an acceptable stand? Are weeds or rodents a problem in your planting? Weeds rob valuable moisture, are unsightly, and in the case of noxious weeds, are illegal. Rodents such as voles will girdle, or eat the bark, from trees and shrubs, causing them to die.The FSA is hoping to achieve a 70 percent survival rate on our riparian plantings. Taking action to control pests will help assure our success.Established plantings might be experiencing some noxious weeds and invasive species pressure. It is important for you to identify the problem species and target your treatment.Mowing does not provide a permanent solution and is prohibited in established plantings. Our best option is a spot treatment of herbicide to get lasting control. Canadian thistle and multiflora rose are two of our most prevalent problems. Both species are listed on Pennsylvania's noxious weed list and must be controlled by law.

Sod waterway, warm and cool season grass reminders — Have you recognized any problems with your CREP seeding in 2009? Certain weeds are very invasive and will greatly impact the livability of our seeded grasses and legumes.As part of your agreement to participate, you signed a conservation plan. This plan has some very specific instructions on the control of weeds. Mowing and spot spraying are the tools provided for control. The time period for authorized mowing is generally too late to control some of our problem weeds such as Canadian thistle.Spot mowing before Aug. 1 can be authorized on an individual basis, but we have not found this to be an effective thistle control tool. A better tool is to use an appropriate herbicide at an appropriate time.It is critical for you to identify the weed you hope to control. A product selected to control chickweed might be different from a product giving results on Canadian thistle. Canadian thistle is considered a noxious weed, and state law requires control.It is imperative you scout your fields and identify your target weed. Action to control is best taken when you first see the problem. Spot treatment of small areas will prevent the weeds from invading an entire field.Remember, your conservation plan has some very specific guidelines concerning weed control.If mowing is used after seeding establishment, it should be done during August to prevent conflict with nesting wildlife. No more than one-third of the area should be mowed in a given year. If you plan to spot mow before the date shown in your conservation plan, you must request authorization from the FSA. When mowing, you must leave 6 to 8 inches of stubble. Failure to control weeds and abide by our mowing guidelines could result in contract termination, payment refunds or payment reductions.