When our class went to pull and treat non-native plants, I realized that these plant were indeed having an effect on the native plants. Invasive species are harmful to our natural resources because they disrupt natural communities and ecological processes. This causes harm to the natives in that ecosystem because they are suddenly competing with a new species for the same resources. The non-native plants can outcompete the native species for food and habitats and sometimes even cause their extinction. Even if the native species are not completely eliminated, the ecosystem often becomes a biodiversity. A biodiverse ecosystem is more susceptible to further disturbances. Another non-native plants are a disturbance is that they can be very easy to be spread. Human contact, animals and weather (wind) take part in the spread of the non-natives. Humans when hiking in places where they exist, could drag around seeds on their boots. Also when pulling non-natives we don’t treat them, which causes them to still grow and reproduce. The organisms in the ecosystems will benefit through gain of lost habitat, also gain in loss of native plants.
Spotted knapweed reduces livestock and habitat, increases surface water runoff and soil sedimentation, and lowers plant biodiversity. Spotted knapweed produces an allelopathic compound that reduces germination of some grass species. Management options include hand removal of small infestations, the entire crown portion of the plant must be removed. Plants can be pulled most effectively when the soil is moist. Selective herbicides provide good control of the knapweeds and are often the most cost-effective treatment for small or new infestations. Thirteen insects have been introduced in for biological control for spotted kanpweed. Most of the insects attack both plant species, but some have a preferred host. On our selves we need to remember to clean our boots, gear, boat, tires and any other equipment we use outdoors to remove insects and plant parts that may spread invasive species to new places. When camping, buy firewood near your campsite instead of bringing your own from home, and leave any extra for the next campers. Invertebrates and plants can easily hitch a ride on firewood you haul to or from a campsite you could inadvertently introduce the spotted knapweed to a new area.