“Fraud and falsehood only dread examination. Truth invites it.” Samuel Johnson

So what is the problem with herbicides?  To get an understanding, I will evaluate one herbicide in detail. The chemical Tordon 22K was listed on the Manitoba Weed Supervisors Association website for control of leafy spurge and other weeds.  

A quick overview read the material on the website provided by the company leaves  you  with the impression that eliminating the weeds that this product is designed for, is good for wildlife as well as government and industries.  You infer that using Todon  22K has those same benefits, that this chemical is good for the environment as well as for government and industry.  The work "Stewardship" is prominent and retained in your mind when you peruse the website.  You are left with the impression that using Tordon  22K is  safe and good for the environment and that by using it, you are a good steward of your land.  The word "Expert" is also featured and you are left with the impression that experts are recommending the use of this product.

Tordon 22K

What the manufacturer website say about this product

-This is the only tool for effective control of deep-rooted perennials   such as Leafy Spurge and Toadflax
-Residual. It provides control for an extended time between treatments
-It may take 5 years for it to be deactivated in the soil
-Clippings from grass or crops should not be used for mulching or composting
-Manure from animals fed the forage from treated fields should not be used with susceptible plants
-It should not be sprayed within a distance of 1.5 times the height of the trees or shrubs


What MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
-Is flammable
-Can cause eye irritation
-Decomposition gases are toxic
-moderately toxic to aquatic organisms
-is NOT  readily Biodegradable  according to OECD test guidelines
-Bioaccumulation is moderate
-Mobility in the soil is very high


What does the manufacturer label say about Tordon 22K

• ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS 
  
  
  • This product is moderately toxic to fish. Do not apply to any water bodies or in areas where the runoff from treated areas will reach fish-bearing waters. Do not contaminate water through spray drift, by cleaning of equipment or disposal of wastes. 
    
    
  • Tordon 22K may cause damage to sensitive non-target vegetation. Do not apply to irrigation ditches that contain or may contain water to be used for irrigation or domestic purposes

Do not apply to soils that are very permeable (textures of sandy loam to sand) throughout the entire profile and which also have an underlying shallow aquifer. 

Do not apply to soils containing sinkholes over limestone bedrock. 

Do not apply to soils whose surfaces are composed of severely fractured rock or unconsolidated gravel 
and underlaid with an aquifer.


TOXIC to aquatic organisms and non-target terrestrial plants. Observe buffer zones specified under DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Picloram is persistent and will carryover. It is recommended that any products containing picloram not be used in areas treated with this product during the previous season.
The use of this chemical may result in contamination of groundwater particularly in areas where soils are permeable (e.g. sandy soil) and/or the depth to the water table is shallow.
To reduce runoff from treated areas into aquatic habitats avoid application to areas with a moderate to steep slope, compacted soil, or clay.
Avoid application when heavy rain is forecast.
Contamination of aquatic areas as a result of runoff may be reduced by including a vegetative strip between the treated area and the edge of the water body.(1)


Discussion


So this is a product that lasts for years, is toxic to fish and to aquatic plants, does not breakdown easily, can kill shrubs and trees and remains toxic to trees, shrubs and other plants even in the manure of animals that eat treated forage and in the water that it gets into.  

If this product gets into ground water, it will not breakdown because it only breaks down in water with exposure to sunlight in water.

I am not able to find on the internet what percent of farmers comply completely with the instructions on the product label.  But I am assured  by a concerned farmer's wife that not many would read the directions carefully and follow them.

Because of its persistence in the soil and its  mobility in the water, The EPA Environmental Fate and Water Branch recommended that picloram should not be reregistered because its use would pose unreasonable adverse effects to the environment.(2)

Review of Dangers of using Tordon 22K
-Surface runoff and persistance in water unless exposed to sunlight
-Toxicity to fish in low concentrations
-Toxicity to non target species such as shrubs and trees and water plants such as milfoil
-Persistence in ground water
-Persistance in the manure of animals that graze on the treated pastures  or with treated forage 
-Persistance of this chemical in the soil
-The many conditions that Tordon 22K  should not be used i.e. clay soils, compacted soils,  gravelling or clay soils with an aquifer, sloped soils, and soils near a body of water.  The many types of  soils, where this product is not to be used describe most of Manitoba soils
-detrimental effect on the wildlife due to the loss of non target plants,  trees and shrubs
-detrimental effect to wildlife in bodies of water due to the loss of plants and fish 

The polished website of the manufacturer of this product is very misleading.  This is not a safe product.  It really should not be used on most of Manitoba's soils given that Manitoba has mostly clay and compacted soils.  And that there is so much marshland and ponds in Manitoba.   The reality is that this product is that is has a long lasting destructive effect on the soil, water and  plants and animals.   We have to ask ourselves how much we want to compromise the plants and animals in our biome. 

We have to ask ourselves how much of an impact does this chemical have compared to the weed it is supposed to control?

When you look closely at the problems of leafy spurge, you discover this weed is not a problem of cultivated fields.  That it not all that toxic to cattle and that cattle can be taught to graze it in as little as 8 days. (3) As well, there is biological control available with beetles. (4) So when we choose to use a poison, one with long lasting and devastating environmental effects, we are neither being safe nor using expertise.  In fact we are contributing to the destruction of the wildlife of Manitoba's biome.  Rather than demonstrating expertise and stewardship, we are demonstrating stupidity and ignorance.



(1)http://www.ivmexperts.ca/pdfs/Tordon_22K_Label_English.PDF
(2)http://www.pesticide.org/get-the-facts/pesticide-factsheets/factsheets/picloram
(3)http://onpasture.com/2013/11/18/cows-eat-leafy-spurge/
(4)http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Biological_Control_Leafy_Spurge


 


 

“Fraud and falsehood only dread examination. Truth invites it.” Samuel Johnson

So what is the problem with herbicides?  To get an understanding, I will evaluate one herbicide in detail. The chemical Tordon 22K was listed on the Manitoba Weed Supervisors Association website for control of leafy spurge and other weeds.  

A quick overview read the material on the website provided by the company leaves  you  with the impression that eliminating the weeds that this product is designed for, is good for wildlife as well as government and industries.  You infer that using Todon  22K has those same benefits, that this chemical is good for the environment as well as for government and industry.  The work "Stewardship" is prominent and retained in your mind when you peruse the website.  You are left with the impression that using Tordon  22K is  safe and good for the environment and that by using it, you are a good steward of your land.  The word "Expert" is also featured and you are left with the impression that experts are recommending the use of this product.

Tordon 22K

What the manufacturer website say about this product

-This is the only tool for effective control of deep-rooted perennials   such as Leafy Spurge and Toadflax
-Residual. It provides control for an extended time between treatments
-It may take 5 years for it to be deactivated in the soil
-Clippings from grass or crops should not be used for mulching or composting
-Manure from animals fed the forage from treated fields should not be used with susceptible plants
-It should not be sprayed within a distance of 1.5 times the height of the trees or shrubs


What MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
-Is flammable
-Can cause eye irritation
-Decomposition gases are toxic
-moderately toxic to aquatic organisms
-is NOT  readily Biodegradable  according to OECD test guidelines
-Bioaccumulation is moderate
-Mobility in the soil is very high


What does the manufacturer label say about Tordon 22K

• ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
  
  
  • This product is moderately toxic to fish. Do not apply to any water bodies or in areas where the runoff from treated areas will reach fish-bearing waters. Do not contaminate water through spray drift, by cleaning of equipment or disposal of wastes.
    
    
  • Tordon 22K may cause damage to sensitive non-target vegetation. Do not apply to irrigation ditches that contain or may contain water to be used for irrigation or domestic purposes

Do not apply to soils that are very permeable (textures of sandy loam to sand) throughout the entire profile and which also have an underlying shallow aquifer.

Do not apply to soils containing sinkholes over limestone bedrock.

Do not apply to soils whose surfaces are composed of severely fractured rock or unconsolidated gravel
and underlaid with an aquifer.


TOXIC to aquatic organisms and non-target terrestrial plants. Observe buffer zones specified under DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Picloram is persistent and will carryover. It is recommended that any products containing picloram not be used in areas treated with this product during the previous season.
The use of this chemical may result in contamination of groundwater particularly in areas where soils are permeable (e.g. sandy soil) and/or the depth to the water table is shallow.
To reduce runoff from treated areas into aquatic habitats avoid application to areas with a moderate to steep slope, compacted soil, or clay.
Avoid application when heavy rain is forecast.
Contamination of aquatic areas as a result of runoff may be reduced by including a vegetative strip between the treated area and the edge of the water body.(1)


Discussion


So this is a product that lasts for years, is toxic to fish and to aquatic plants, does not breakdown easily, can kill shrubs and trees and remains toxic to trees, shrubs and other plants even in the manure of animals that eat treated forage and in the water that it gets into.  

If this product gets into ground water, it will not breakdown because it only breaks down in water with exposure to sunlight in water.

I am not able to find on the internet what percent of farmers comply completely with the instructions on the product label.  But I am assured  by a concerned farmer's wife that not many would read the directions carefully and follow them.

Because of its persistence in the soil and its  mobility in the water, The EPA Environmental Fate and Water Branch recommended that picloram should not be reregistered because its use would pose unreasonable adverse effects to the environment.(2)

Review of Dangers of using Tordon 22K
-Surface runoff and persistance in water unless exposed to sunlight
-Toxicity to fish in low concentrations
-Toxicity to non target species such as shrubs and trees and water plants such as milfoil
-Persistence in ground water
-Persistance in the manure of animals that graze on the treated pastures  or with treated forage 
-Persistance of this chemical in the soil
-The many conditions that Tordon 22K  should not be used i.e. clay soils, compacted soils,  gravelling or clay soils with an aquifer, sloped soils, and soils near a body of water.  The many types of  soils, where this product is not to be used describe most of Manitoba soils
-detrimental effect on the wildlife due to the loss of non target plants,  trees and shrubs
-detrimental effect to wildlife in bodies of water due to the loss of plants and fish 

The polished website of the manufacturer of this product is very misleading.  This is not a safe product.  It really should not be used on most of Manitoba's soils given that Manitoba has mostly clay and compacted soils.  And that there is so much marshland and ponds in Manitoba.   The reality is that this product is that is has a long lasting destructive effect on the soil, water and  plants and animals.   We have to ask ourselves how much we want to compromise the plants and animals in our biome. 

We have to ask ourselves how much of an impact does this chemical have compared to the weed it is supposed to control?

When you look closely at the problems of leafy spurge, you discover 
-this weed is not a problem of cultivated fields.  
-That it not all that toxic to cattle and that cattle can be taught to graze it in as little as 8 days. (3) 
-As well, there is biological control available with beetles. (4) 


So when we choose to use a poison, one with long lasting and devastating environmental effects, we are neither being safe nor using expertise.  In fact we are contributing to the destruction of the wildlife of Manitoba's biome.  Rather than demonstrating expertise and stewardship, we are demonstrating stupidity and ignorance.



(1http://ws.greenbook.net/Docs/Label/L11608.pdf
New and changed https://www.corteva.ca/en/products-and-solutions/crop-protection/tordon-22k.htmlwww.corteva.ca/en/products-and-solutions/crop-protection/tordon-22k.html
(2)www.pesticide.org/pesticide_factsheets
(3)http://onpasture.com/2013/11/18/cows-eat-leafy-spurge/
(4)http://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/livestock/pastures-grazing-hay-silage/biological-control-of-leafy-spurge
(5)https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/leafyspurge/leafyspurge


 


 

When you have corporate influence on our government outweighing the influence of citizens, that's terrifying. This is something we have to make a big, big noise about.
Josh Fox

Manitoba has very harsh legislation for so called Noxious Weeds.  Every one of the plants that I have featured on this website, except Bottle Gentian, are named as Noxious Weeds by that legislation.  And yet each of these plants except Alder buckthorn are native plants of Manitoba. These plants are specialists for our climate, soil and biome.   Each of these plants play vital roles for the fertility of our soils, the purity of our water and for providing homes and food for the wildlife of our province.  They are a vital part of food webs for many native bacteria, fungi, insects , reptiles, birds and mammals. 

The Noxious Weed Act of Manitoba calls for the elimination of every Milkweed,  Goldenrod, Wolf willow, Cattail, Anise Hyssop, Vetch, American Liquorice,  Prairie Rose,  PussyToes,  Shrubby Cinquefoil, Snowberry plant on Manitoba lands  as well as over 300 hundred other plants, native and non native.  
The Manitoba Weed Supervisors Association of Manitoba has the job of enforcing this Act.  And has the authority to enter lands and eradicate these plants and charge landowners for the cost.   Those land owners or managers who fail to comply with the Noxious Weed Act could face jail sentences.

This legislation demonstrates a shocking disregard for the functions these plants play for the benefit of their ecosystems.  The Manitoba Weed  Supervisors  Association mainly employs poisonous herbicides  to eradicate weeds.  The elimination of these plants is devastating to wildlife.  And then there is the toxicity of these chemicals.  These poisons can have devastating effects on the soil organisms, the aquatic life and can cause illness or death to insects, birds and mammals depending on what is used.    And they can be very persistant with long lasting effects.


We need to  love and appreciate these plants and the incredible ecosystems that  they are a part of.  Lets go to Nature  for our joy, for our knowledge and for our sustenance.  Let's join the countries and the people who are already working with nature and enjoying the abundance that way is able to bring forth.  Let's become much more integrated with the natural world.  Let's individually and together  speak up to our government against this backward and damaging legislation.

"We cannot win this battle to save species and environments without forging an emotional bond between ourselves and nature as well - for we will not fight to save what we do not love." 
-  Stephen Jay Gould



Ecosystems have been described as the life support of  the Earth(2)  Ecosystems are have natural biodiversity,  because species are interdependent upon each other.  When we examine closely the needs of even a single plant, we will find it depends on multiple living organisms , on fungi, bacteria, nematodes, pollinators, insects, birds etc.  Having diverse genetic material and biodiversity gives a ecosystems resilience, and the ability to weather  environmental challenges.  Monoculture agriculture, and poisonous chemicals which kill off plants, insects, soil bacteria and soil fungi create fragility of the ecosystem and infertility of the soil.  Extinctions are proceeding at a rate of 1000 to 10,000(3) times the normal rate.  There are better ways of managing the wonderful and amazing ecosystems of the earth.


We need to support agricultural systems(like silvopasture) and permaculture  that are more diversified and resilient.  We need to support agriculture that provides habitat for wild plants and animals.  We can improve soil fertility when we grow plants that fix nitrogen, that accumulate nutrients, that have extensive root systems that improve aeration and water penetration,  that are known to attract insects and birds and animals, that improve water quality etc.  When we support agricultural practices that include and/or allow plantings of native shrubs, trees, flowers and grasses, we support all the wildlife and soil organisms that are associated with these plants.  When we support the plants that are specialized to our biomes, we are providing homes and food for the native wildlife, and preventing extinctions.   We are saving the genetic heritage for our biome.  Be enchancing the soil fertility and improving the water quality, we are creating a world that sustains our lives.  What supports our wildlife, supports us too. 


(1)http://www.agroforestry.org/overstory-back-issues/268-overstory-253-the-value-of-biodiversity-and-ecosystem-services

(2)http://www.grida.no/publications/rr/food-crisis/page/3569.aspx

(3)http://manitobawildlands.org/bio_species.htm

Silvopasture is the intentional combination trees, forage and livestock managed as a single practice.

This practice  diversifies the products of a farm,  protecting it from market swings of commodity prices, agricultural policy decisions  and from crop failures.   This type of farming is particularly beneficial for wildlife.  Generally trees improve soil fertility  by retaining carbon, increasing soil aeration and  improving soil moisture levels

Using rows of trees protects soil from erosion and gives livestock sun protection and shade.  If planted to shield the property from the prevailing winds, the protected microclimate can increase the yield of conventional crops.  And a well designed shelter belt can act as a windbreak, a snow fence and reduce windchill stress for livestock

When nitrogen fixing trees or shrubs are utilized, the need for fertilizer is reduced or eliminated.

Some trees grow in areas unsuitable for grasses such as poorly drained soils or wet areas.  This provides forage for browsing animals that would otherwise require chemicals or drainage to be usable.  When livestock are able to browse, they have access to nutrients not otherwise available, improving their health.

Alleycropping is when an agricultural crop is grown simultaneously with a long term tree crop.  Fine woods such as oak or walnut are examples of this system.  The yield there can be from nuts, and later, once the wood is mature, from the sale of logs for veneers. Farmers that have livestock such as pigs can also bring the pigs in to eat the nuts that fell during harvest.  So a well planned and managed system can have significant economic value to the farmer.

I am very much in favour of silvopasture because of its potential to improve the soil and to increase biodiversity.   This system is visually beautiful,  so we are creating a lovely place to be in.  Biodiversity  is good for wildlife , good for the soil, food for livestock and  good for the farmer.(because of diversification of products and in some cases increased profits)   We need to encourage our government and farmers to learn about these systems and implement them the long term benefits to our ecosystems.  We need to be implementing systems that will last for millenniums.  

Picture creditBy    USDA NAC [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons


http://www.centerforagroforestry.org/pubs/dvdorderform.php


http://forest.mtu.edu/pcforestry/resources/studentprojects/silvopasture.html

Silvopasture is the intentional combination trees, forage and livestock managed as a single practice.

This practice  diversifies the products of a farm,  protecting it from market swings of commodity prices, agricultural policy decisions  and from crop failures.   This type of farming is particularly beneficial for wildlife.  Generally trees improve soil fertility  by retaining carbon, increasing soil aeration and  improving soil moisture levels

Using rows of trees protects soil from erosion and gives livestock sun protection and shade.  If planted to shield the property from the prevailing winds, the protected microclimate can increase the yield of conventional crops.  And a well designed shelter belt can act as a windbreak, a snow fence and reduce windchill stress for livestock

When nitrogen fixing trees or shrubs are utilized, the need for fertilizer is reduced or eliminated.

Some trees grow in areas unsuitable for grasses such as poorly drained soils or wet areas.  This provides forage for browsing animals that would otherwise require chemicals or drainage to be usable.  When livestock are able to browse, they have access to nutrients not otherwise available, improving their health.

Alleycropping is when an agricultural crop is grown simultaneously with a long term tree crop.  Fine woods such as oak or walnut are examples of this system.  The yield there can be from nuts, and later, once the wood is mature, from the sale of logs for veneers. Farmers that have livestock such as pigs can also bring the pigs in to eat the nuts that fell during harvest.  So a well planned and managed system can have significant economic value to the farmer.

I am very much in favour of silvopasture because of its potential to improve the soil and to increase biodiversity.   This system is visually beautiful,  so we are creating a lovely place to be in.  Biodiversity  is good for wildlife , good for the soil, food for livestock and  good for the farmer.(because of diversification of products and in some cases increased profits)   We need to encourage our government and farmers to learn about these systems and implement them the long term benefits to our ecosystems.  We need to be implementing systems that will last for millenniums.  

Picture creditBy    USDA NAC [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

http://www.centerforagroforestry.org/practices/

http://forest.mtu.edu/pcforestry/resources/studentprojects/silvopasture.html

http://nac.unl.edu/documents/workingtrees/brochures/wtl.pdf

http://www.poplarandwillow.org.nz/files/poplars-and-willows-as-fodder.pdf

http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/range556/Appl_BEHAVE/projects/NPS_willow.html

http://nac.unl.edu/practices/silvopasture.htm

Good health and good sense are two of life's greatest blessings.
Publilius Syrus

I don't want poisons in and on my food!  Chemical herbicides and pesticides are poisons, plain and simple.
Unfortunately agri-chemical multinational companies have infiltrated farming organizations and governments.   Wildlife organisations,   that should be speaking up against these poisons,  because of their devastating impact on wildlife, have been silenced by huge corporate donations.

All of us need to start learning about the toxicity of these poisons so we can speak out against them. We need to learn about the healthy and  non toxic alternatives that are being used throughout 
 the world. 

Say "NO" to poisons!  Say "NO" to corporate driven farmer's organizations that are pushing to spread poisons! Say "NO" to corporate influenced government officials who are colluding  with agri-chemical multinational companies.  Say "No" to poisonous chemicals.  We neither need them or want them!  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_pesticides

http://www.fws.gov/invasives/stafftrainingmodule/methods/chemical/impacts.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbicide

http://www.upci.upmc.edu/ceo/pdf/CEO_atrazine.pdf

http://www.savethefrogs.com/threats/pesticides/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethoxylated_tallow_amine

http://extension.psu.edu/pests/weeds/control/adjuvants-for-enhancing-herbicide-performance

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/2,4-DTech.html#toxbox

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp7.pdf

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/dicamba_tech.html#toxbox

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/glyphotech.html#acute

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/imidacloprid.html#toxbox

Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature.
Gerard De Nerval

This native perennial herb is a member of the coffee family and its tiny seeds can be roasted as a coffee substitute.  A native to Northern Europe as well as North America, its pleasant smell when dried(like newly mown grass) has made it popular historically in Europe as a stuffing for mattresses and pillows.  It grows by seed and by rhizomes and although rare, is widely distributed.  The efficiency of its  propagation by rhizomes causes it to sometimes form dense stands.
Some of its species produce a chemical called asperuloside.   Asperuloside can produce coumarin which is the compound that gives Northern bedstraw its sweet smell.  Coumarin repels insects which was another reason for its popularity as bedding.  


Coumarins have reportedly caused toxicity to the liver and the kidney.  Furthermore, some forms of coumarin block Vitamin K.  Without vitamin K, the protein produced by the liver to clot blood is reduced.  This causes an increased bleeding risk and if a lot of coumarin is consumed, fatal  bleeding can occur.  Coumarin has been used medicinally to treat blood clots and prevent strokes in patient's with heart arrhythmias.  This genus is of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry because asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins. 

Plants For A Future(PFAF) report that the young plant leaves are edible both raw or cooked. However given its possible toxicity, caution is advised especially for women or for anyone with a bleeding condition. 
 
 Just about all grazing animals and birds eat this plant.  The nectar of its small flowers attracts small bees and small flies.  So it is considered a good plant to attract native pollinators  as well as beneficial insects.  (Beneficial insects help reduce populations of pest insects)  Its flowers and leaves are food for insects, moths and butterflies. We still don't know a lot about its faunal relationships.


This plant and members  of its family, play an important role in healthy ecosystems of North America and Europe. It provides food for insects as well as animals.  It has multiple known useful functions for humans, and is being studied further for its medicinal potential.   We would be wise to revere this plant and learn more about the  many roles it plays and its importance for the many plants and animals associated with it.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galium_boreale

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Galium+boreale

http://books.google.ca/books?id=wCODAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA116&lpg=PA116&dq=what+animals+eat+galium+boreal&source=bl&ots=Qm_pJszLaK&sig=ZB-CYbdhmVB7JFylyjVCYuIA5Rs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=6_5WVNWOK9SeyATDhoCIAw&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=what%20animals%20eat%20galium%20boreal&f=false

http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/wild_madderx.htm

http://homebuggarden.blogspot.ca/2010_07_01_archive.html