Revegetation: which practice is identified as critical in preventing weed infestations when soil has been disturbed?

• A. Pesticide Application
• B. Revegetation
• C. Intercropping
• D. Mulching

Answer: (B)

When soil is disturbed, bare ground invites weed establishment. The most effective preventive measure is rapid revegetation—reestablishing a cover with desirable grasses and forbs soon after disturbance. A living ground cover competes with weeds for light, water, and nutrients, reduces soil erosion, and creates a less favorable environment for weed seeds to germinate. In rangeland contexts, quick revegetation shortens the window during which invasive species can gain a foothold and helps establish a resilient plant community that resists future invasions.

Pesticide application targets weeds that are already present, but it doesn’t prevent new ones from germinating. Mulching can suppress some weeds, yet may not provide lasting vegetation in open, disturbed rangeland and often needs replacement. Intercropping can help with weed suppression, but isn’t always practical on large disturbed sites. Revegetation directly addresses the problem by creating competitive, self-sustaining vegetation that lowers weed infestations.