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What do economics have to do with weeds and other invasive exotic species? Actually quite a lot, both on an individual scale and on a public scale. Fortunately, few argue that economic loss is a good thing. However, when exotic species result in profit, the debate grows. Weeds damage the nation’s economy. Property
values of infested areas are likely to decrease as weeds spread and
the public becomes increasingly aware of their impacts. This can be
seen for ranches in the western Economics must also be considered when attempting to remove exotic species from an area. The cost of restoration increases as the infestation grows and the seed bank of native species in the soil diminishes. The cost of seeds of high diversity native species is much higher than the cost of exotic plant seeds. Exotics
cause many other forms of economic loss. Most of the serious agricultural
weeds which cost Exotic species improve the economy. Not all species introductions result in economic losses. Most of our agricultural products are derived from exotic species. In addition, most of our agriculture depends on other exotic species for pollination or forage. The horticultural industry depends on many exotic species and the introduction of exotic plants to extreme (cold, dry, hot) environments improves the productivity of many areas. Even serious weeds may have value, as is the case with Kudzu (Pueraria lobata), which provides high-protein forage for livestock. See also the Role of Aesthetics Back to the ethics page The 5th letter of the Password – R |
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