How many times do we see some plant that looks unusual, we let it sit for a while, pondering its existence (maybe that's just me), and then realize its some plant we have never seen before? In that moment we try to find it again and its either gone or gone to seed!
One concept that is difficult to grasp is exponential growth. This is not the basic math, growth model that is familiar (if I have earn $5,000 selling seeds, then after ten years I'll have $50,000, yeah!). Its like growth on steroids. This is the growth that produces stunning results that boggle the mind. I think we have all seen the gimmicks, chain letters and recipes, facebook posts giving 5 people good luck, Bernie Madoff they are all based on exponential growth.
Exponential growth is when a population grows at a rate that is proportional to its size. The most common example is a doubling rate. Imagine a single bacteria in a test tube, it divides into 2 bacteria, then those 2 divide into 4, then 8, then 16 and so on.
So how does this relate to weed management? Quite simply, many weed populations grow exponentially. Lets move from bacteria to water hyacinth, or your plant of choice. Our pond starts out with 6 plants then next year those plants become 12, then next year those 12 become 24 and so on. You start to notice the weeds building up along the shore and when the weeds fill up half your pond you decide to take action. But by then its quite late in the game, because according to our imaginary model next year the entire pond will be filled! Better get moving!
Think you understand? I'll make you an offer, for writing this wonderful blog you can pay me by putting money on a checkerboard. I'll only charge a penny to the first reader and they put that penny on the first square. The second reader will put 2 cents on the second square, and 4 cents for the third. After 64 people read this blog, how much money will I collect?
Its too bad I'm not in this for the money! Hope you learned something this afternoon.