New evidence is popping up in at least 22 states that aggressive weeds, like pigweed, horseweed, common ragweed, and goosegrass are becoming resistant to glyphosate. This could spell trouble for soils and surface waters around the country. Round-Up resistance will lead to more tillage to rid crop fields of undesired plants. This can result in greater soil erosion, soil structure damage, and soil moisture loss, not to mention greater expenses in food production. This may also lead to a potential increase of pesticide residues and sedimentation in our surface waters.
Two scientists at Auburn University, Andrew Price and Scott McElroy speak out about this problem.
I think this is a surprisingly understated, likely concern of climate change. It's very unlikely that are native plants and animals will be advantaged by a changing climate. Pest management will require extraordinary innovation, likely involving technologies of many kinds, and most problems and solutions will further disrupt homeostasis in some way.
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