This sets out the evidence* for one link in the Generic Reserve Conservation Programme Logic. See the summary for information on the expert group which prepared this.
Strength of evidence supporting existence of influence: There is currently little evidence that the link between effective weed control and maintenance and increase in palatable species.
Evidence type
Outcomes studies: No strong outcomes evaluation studies could be identified. There is a study by Smith and Smith (2003) but it has methodological flaws.
Non-outcomes studies: There are number of non-outcome studies which look at some of the anecdotal views regarding this link.
Suggestions for future research on this link: One well constructed outcome evaluation on this link is a priority. This will require a significant amount of research funding.
Other comments: It may be that a feasibility study of the proposed outcome evaluation study may find that it is not possible due to practical problems and that the issue of the outcomes evaluation evidence supporting this link may not be able to be resolved in at least the medium term.