Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
functions in an active biological soil system. There is no water insoak problem where
lambsquarters and pigweed grow.
Both of these weeds are easy to control. Neither have serious negative effects through
auxin emission to growing crops. Indeed, there is a symbiotic relationship between red-
root pigweed and lambsquarters and most plants. These weeds are the best possible labor-
atory analysis for phosphate being available on a daily meal basis. Where lambsquarters
grows year after year, there is no need to buy phosphate fertilizers. There is no concern
about buying potassium or about raising the levels of potassium, even though a soil audit
might suggest that the till is not quite full enough.
Anatomically, lambsquarters is an annual that reproduces by seeds. It grows five to six
feet in height from a taproot. Simple leaves alternate, are ovate in shape. This weed has
green flowers in irregular spikes clustered in narrow panicles.
Selenium, molybdenum, hydrogen peroxide, calcium, soft rock phosphate, vitamin C,
sulfates and sugars — in some areas — put heavy stands of lambsquarters on the run. Po-
tassium chloride, chemical nitrogen and magnesium may be contributing factors in this
weed's more than normal proliferation.
