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Re: glyphosate

Firstoff, with the exotics you have listed there really is no such thing as "selective" spraying, you are talking about huge areas. Secondly, better living through chemicals  does not address the real issue. It is simply treating an effect not a cause. That is weeds, exotic or not, invasive or not, are not the "cause" of anything they are an effect (or response) and treating them chemically isn't going to change that. Success will only happen when we deal with the underlying reasons for the weeds. The current approach totally ignores ecology and its principles.

The active ingredient glyphosate has been shown to alter the soil microbiology, not necessarily all in a bad way. Inotherwards, a healthy soil should be able to deal with the chemicals and come back into homeostasis. But if these areas were healthy, then would there be a need for Round Up or any other chemicals? Both fungi and bacteria are affected. I have been told by a noted soil microbiologist that certain bacteria utilize glyphosate as a food source. HERE IS THE KICKER THOUGH: mounting scientific evidence is showing a link between the "inert" (unlabeled) ingredients in Round up and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Best of luck,

Tim
 

Ed and Gale wrote:

We belong to an environmental group and are currently in the middle of a
rather heated debate about invasive exotic plants in natural areas on public
land and the use of glyphosate to control them. Some folks are opposed to
the use of any chemical in any way and others see the treat of exotics as so
great that they are willing to use Round Up selectively.

I was wondering if anyone on this group can help with any expertise or info.
What are the long term effects of glyphosate on plants and soil? Are there
any health risks to humans and animals? What are your thoughts on using
Round Up to control garlic mustard, kudzu, and other invasives if it's used
selectively and applied by hand?

Thank you for your imput.
Gale Cook
Southern Illinois

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