Strategies for the conservation of endangered arable weeds in Great Britain.

Abstract

Changes in agricultural practice are thought to have been responsible for the decline of many weed species, but information on which conservation measures may be based is sparse. Preliminary results of investigations into the effects of fertilisers and herbicides indicate that they may have both contributed to the decline of some species. Crop sowing dates have also been shown to have an effect. These findings will be incorporated into guidelines for conservation of endangered weed communities.