1. Make a summary of the text.

METHODS OF CONTROL

There are various methods of weed control, ranging from simple pulling-by-hand to elaborate chemical weed killers. Generally, more than one method is necessary because of the resilience of the weed plant or its seeds.

Pulling weeds by hand is effective, but it should be done only when the soil is moist so that the underground roots are removed along with the tops(1). Although tiresome and time-consuming, hand weeding is the most effective control for weeds growing in rock gardens or between rows in vegetable gardens. Removing weeds using a hoe(2) is effective, but only when weeds are not well established and the weather is dry. In moist weather many weeds revive after hoeing and continue growing. Repeated hoeing at regular intervals(3) is the best direct approach for hoe weeding the home garden in moist conditions.

Another effective method of weed control is mulching, which consists of applying a layer of leaves, straw, or other organic mulching material over the weeds. Mulching prevents weeds from germinating and growing and adds nutrients to the soil. For shallow-rooted plants, such as azaleas, blueberries, and rhododendrons, mulching is necessary because hoeing injures their root systems.

Chemical weed killers, or herbicides, are usually divided into three major groups based on their uses. One group, known as soil sterilants, consists of chemicals that sterilize the soil and clear the ground of all plant growth. These chemicals are often used in such locations as footpaths and tennis courts, and may be effective for weeks or even months. The second group of chemical weed killers, called selective weed killers, is especially effective for controlling broad-leaved lawn weeds, such as dandelions, plantains, and sorrels. The third group of chemicals, nonselective weed killers, are chemicals that kill all kinds of weeds but do not sterilize the soil. For example, poison ivy can be eliminated from an area with a nonselective weed killer, and immediately afterward desirable plants may be grown in the same soil.

Although these chemicals are effective and may boost agricultural production, they pose risks to workers that use them and are a significant source of water and soil pollution. Alternative approaches to weed control, such as altering plowing and cultivation practices, are being encouraged by environmental organizations to minimize the use of herbicides in crop farming, particularly in developing countries that use large quantities of the chemicals. No matter what type of weed killer(4), it is extremely important to closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions(5), especially with respect to(6) dilution, time of application, and evenness of distribution. Even with these precautions, weed killers may be dangerous, and their use is restricted by state and local regulations.

Notes

1. so that the underground roots are removed along with the tops – з тим щоб позбутися коріння разом з верхівкою

2. removing weeds using a hoe – позбавлення бур’янів за допомогою сапи

3. repeated hoeing at regular intervals – сапання з проміжками часу

4. No matter what type of weed killer – незалежно від типу гербециду

5. to closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions – ретельно дотримуватись інструкцій виробника

6. with respect to – що стосується